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5 I The Best Online Education System in the world
PRESEVERANCE
Ream Odetallah
Class of 2003, University of Jordan
MA English Language and Literature
...
The snow blizzard was blowing harshly and there was no one around to help the poor family that got torn after
the death of the family man. However, they have not lost hope so far and are not willing to, but the harsh
circumstances are not making things ay easier for them.
The eldest in the family had to drop school, believing it would be a temporary situation, but time has proved
otherwise. He knew that all are relying on him to increase their attachment to hope, but he was dying and
screaming for help from the inside until one day he decided to join the army. Of course, all of the siblings and
his mother protested, knowing that would elevate the pain they were already undergoing. His plan was to send
a monthly salary and to ensure his younger brothers' and sister's future. Still, they have not accepted the idea.
So, one night he left without warning them and the second eldest started with his back-up plan to support the
family.
There was nothing to do in the army and the salary was not a regular monthly one, actually it was all a
propaganda to encourage the youth to join for free and only the desperate always join the army. Back home his
family were still undergoing a bad time, as a matter of fact, no one even bothered to ask about them, even the
reverend whom received a lot of support from their deceased father. The mother worked as a part time house
maid in people's homes regardless of her back pain, and sometimes the daughter had to help her mother
inside and outside the house. In other words, they all left school or university and held each other's hands to
survive.
Six months later, the elder son came home looking pale and defeated. They have not been in touch for a while
and thought that they would never see him again. His return was a failure and many of the town people
mocked at the family's unreasonable behavior, but when he was strong enough to face the community and talk
common sense, he announced his war compensation. The family still did not know how to deal with the
situation!
Questions for discussion:
1. What was the eldest son persistent about?
2. Why did he join the army?
3. Who took over after he left to join the army overseas?
4. Where do you think this story has taken part?
5. Why was the family still unable to deal with the new situation after receiving the compensation?