In Chapter 7 of A Long Walk to Water, Marial tragically met his end when he was attacked by a wild animal. While Marial was sleeping, a hungry lion dragged him away from the group.
This harrowing incident occurred during the group's arduous journey through Southern Sudan in 1985, underscoring the severe perils they faced beyond human conflict. The sudden and brutal nature of Marial's disappearance left a profound impact, especially on young Salva, who was deeply shaken by the loss of his friend. Salva found himself wondering how anything could ever be alright again after such a devastating event.
Uncle, recognizing Salva's distress and fear, quickly stepped in to offer reassurance. He comforted Salva by reminding him that he possessed a gun, which he would use to shoot any lion that dared to come near them. Uncle's words aimed to provide a sense of security, asserting that everything would eventually be okay despite the grim reality of their situation.
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Key Details of Marial's Fate:
- Circumstance: Marial was attacked while sleeping.
- Perpetrator: A hungry lion.
- Outcome: He was dragged away and killed.
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Immediate Aftermath and Reactions:
- Salva's Reaction: Experienced profound fear and doubted the possibility of safety or normalcy.
- Uncle's Reassurance: Attempted to comfort Salva by emphasizing his protective capabilities with a firearm and promising their continued safety.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the constant, life-threatening dangers posed by the natural environment during the refugees' long and perilous walk.
