Ishmael Character Analysis Essay

In chapters 12-15, Ishmael stops fighting for his life and starts fighting for his country. At the age of 12, he was trained to kill everyone and spare no one. Sierra Leone’s army focused on brainwashing kids to have lethal minds so they could expand their army and win the war. This caused so many children’s lives to be ruined by seeing things that cannot be unseen. They also became addicted to many different drugs/substances. Ishmael is once again is provided with new clothes at his army base. Unfortunately, Ishmael comes across some severe mental issues affecting his thoughts and actions. Despite that, he is looked up to by younger soldiers due to his quick-to-kill instincts and leadership. Although this is the shortest section, it definitely has the biggest impact on Ishmael. …show more content…
He was still in poor condition, and little did he know, Ishmael was only to get worse before it got better. Some of the provisions he got were Reebok shoes, camo pants, and a colorful shirt. (page 110) These did not last very long. He starts to gain some very bad habits such as drug usage and sleep deprivation. He almost completely falls apart. Throughout this rough patch of 3-4 years, he became more mature mentally and physically. His hygiene remains low, and he can be imagined just as you would picture anyone who does drugs daily- scruffy, thin, and tattered. When he fought, everyone wore army shorts, green shirts, and green headties. (page 115) At this time in his life, appearance was most likely the least of his