In the novel, Mariatu says things to people that provide important information to the story. Mariatu is talking to the two rebel boys right before they chop off her hands. Mariatu is begging to the two rebels to just kill her instead of making her suffer. Mariatu exclaims, “If you are going to chop off my hands, please just kill me now” (Kamara/McClelland 40). After reading the passage, it is clear to the audience that Mariatu is extremely nervous to get her hand cut off. Mariatu believes that if she just dies it would be much better than having her hands cut off and experience all the pain and suffering. Mariatu’s request advances the plot because later on you can see her opinion reflect when she tries to kill herself because she cannot handle