Refugee Boy

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses graphic violence, racism, anti-immigrant bias, and the emotional distress of refugees related to familial separation and loss.

“The soldier raised his rifle and pointed it at Alem’s father. ‘You’re a traitor.’ He turned and pointed the rifle at Alem’s mother. ‘And she is the enemy.’ Then he turned and pointed the rifle at Alem’s forehead. ‘And he is a mongrel.’ Turning back to Alem’s father, he dropped his voice and said, ‘Leave Ethiopia or die.’”

The first and second Prologue highlight the danger that threatens Alem’s family if they stay in either Ethiopia or Eritrea. Since Alem is both Eritrean and Ethiopian, he experiences even greater danger and dehumanization. The use of repetition creates a tense rhythm that emphasizes the normalized violence of the soldier’s words and actions.

“I just want you to know that your mother and I love you, son, and you know that anything we do is for your best. I have never been here but I know that England is a nice country, there are some good people here, you must remember that. And back home there are some good people too, not everyone back there wants to fight the war, most people would love to just get on with their lives. So remember, there are good and bad everywhere and your mother and I have always tried to do the best for you because we want you to be one of the good ones. Not a brave African warrior, not a powerful man or a rich man or a great hunter. We just want you to be a good person. Always remember that.”

Mr. Kelo’s final words before he leaves Alem in England remind his son that goodness still exists in the world, even in Ethiopia and Eritrea, where he has seen only violence. Stereotypical descriptions of “greatness” (like power and wealth) are juxtaposed with the Kelos’ true wish for their son to simply be good, highlighting how moral goodness stands separate from worldly markers of success. Mr. Kelo’s words are imbued with a sense of gravitas and solemnity, as he knows that he will soon be leaving Alem alone in England.

“Alem watched as the workers waited in line for the Queen to greet them. He watched their faces, wondering if these were really the happiest people in the land; he wondered whether the Queen would also visit the homeless man that had been beaten when she was returning to the palace.”

As Alem watches television, he sees news stories about violence, including an attack on a homeless man. When the news moves on to the story about the Queen visiting workers at a factory, he sees the disparity between the people that British society believes are valuable and those they see as disposable.