A Long Walk to Water

Explain what happened when the woman in the group reaches out and touches the man's arm, and he changes his mind about letting Salva go with them. Why does he change his mind? What does this tell us about the tribe's culture?

Happens at the beginning of Chapter 4

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Last updated by Aslan
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Salva scans the faces and is morose that he does not see his family. The old woman comes out and asks if they will take him. Some are hesitant, noting they already have mouths to feed. One woman looks at him, though, then at one of the men. They say he will come with them. Salva bids the old woman goodbye and joins the group. He is determined to stay quiet and not lag behind. I think the woman was looking out for a child, perhaps a child like her own. Tribal culture often incorporates extended families.