A Long Way Gone
Who is Ishmael Brother?
Junior
A starving vampire can’t think about joining a coven or making friends until it feeds. This Maslow level explains that behavior.
physiological needs
In a spooky story, the author hints that a character’s fate will be tragic by describing the broken mirror and stormy night beforehand. This device gives readers hints about future events.
foreshadowing
The narrator kills this character because he is obsessed with one of the victim’s physical features.
the old man
Mr. Siragusa is wearing a shirt with a pumpkin on it. What classic horror movie, featuring a killer in an all white mask, is the pumpkin from?
Halloween (1977)
In which country does A Long Way Gone take place?
Sierra Leone
A cursed village forces residents to live in fear of nightly attacks. Even though they have food and shelter, their inability to feel secure prevents them from forming bonds or trusting one another. This illustrates the failure of which Maslow level?
safety needs
A haunted house is described as “breathing, alive, and whispering secrets to anyone who enters.” This figure of speech gives human qualities to non-human things.
personification
The narrator compares the old man's eye to that of this carnivorous bird, who's wingspan can reach up to 10 feet.
Vulture
What Mexican holiday takes place on November 1st, right after Halloween.
Bonus points: Name the Mexican holiday that also takes place on November 2nd.
The Day of the Dead: All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Ishmael is given a mixture of drugs (cocaine and gunpowder), which goes by this memorable name.
Brown-Brown
In Maslow’s hierarchy, this level is not just about “having food,” but about stability, protection, and avoiding physical or emotional harm — often ignored in horror stories until it’s too late.
safety needs
In a story, a creaking floorboard in the old mansion recurs whenever a character lies, creating suspense and hinting at their guilt. Readers must interpret what the floorboard represents beyond its literal sound.
symbolism
After the murder, the narrator hears a persistent sound he believes is the victim’s heart. This sound symbolizes his overwhelming guilt and fear.
the beating heart
The name “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve.” The word “hallow” means this.
saint / holy person
Before becoming a refugee, Ishmael loved memorizing lyrics from several famous rap groups. You need at least one to get points.
Naughty by Nature, Run-DMC, LL Cool J
A ghost haunts a mansion not just for terror, but to perfect its haunting skills and leave a unique legacy. The ghost cannot be fully understood without considering its pursuit of this Maslow level, which depends on all preceding levels being met.
self-actualization
The story’s narrator insists the house is safe, but contradictory clues—broken locks, shadows moving—hint otherwise.
unreliable narrator
Where does the narrator hid the body?
Under the floorboards
The modern image of Halloween with costumes and parties became popular in the U.S. during this century.
20th century
Before the fighting start Ishmael called this small cozy village home.
Mogbwemo
List Maslow’s hierarchy levels in order, from the most basic need to the highest.
self-actualization
esteem
social
safety
physiological
Throughout a tale, a vampire repeatedly praises a character’s courage while secretly planning their demise. The tension emerges not from what is said, but from what the audience knows versus what the character believes.
dramatic irony
The narrator waits this many nights before finally committing the murder.
8 nights
This vegetable was originally carved in Ireland to make lanterns before pumpkins became popular in America.
turnip