Background of the Novel
Historical Context
What is the What is set against the backdrop of the Second Sudanese Civil War, which lasted from 1983 to 2005. This devastating conflict led to the deaths of millions of people and displaced countless others. The narrative focuses on the journey of Valentino Achak Deng, who, like many other children, was forced to flee his village after it was attacked. The novel captures the horrors of war, the struggles of survival, and the hope for a better future.
Author’s Motivation
Dave Eggers was inspired to write this novel after meeting Valentino Achak Deng, a real-life survivor of the Sudanese Civil War. Through his conversations with Deng, Eggers learned about the profound challenges faced by the Lost Boys and the enduring spirit of those who managed to escape the violence. Eggers’ intention was not only to tell a captivating story but also to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and the ongoing issues related to war and displacement.
Main Themes
What is the What delves into several significant themes that resonate throughout the narrative:
Identity and Belonging
One of the most prominent themes in the novel is the struggle for identity. Valentino grapples with his past, his cultural heritage, and his place in a world that seems indifferent to his suffering. As he navigates through different countries and cultures, his quest for belonging becomes a central part of his journey.
- Cultural Displacement: Valentino’s experiences highlight the challenges faced by refugees in retaining their cultural identity while adapting to a new environment.
- Personal Growth: Throughout the story, Valentino matures from a frightened child into a resilient young man who learns to confront the challenges life throws at him.
Survival and Resilience
The theme of survival permeates What is the What. Valentino’s journey is fraught with peril, from the dangers of the wilderness to the harsh realities of refugee camps.
- Physical Survival: The novel vividly depicts the physical challenges Valentino faces, including hunger, illness, and the constant threat of violence.
- Emotional Resilience: Beyond physical survival, the narrative emphasizes the importance of emotional strength. Valentino’s ability to maintain hope in the face of despair is a testament to the human spirit.
The Impact of War
Eggers does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of war. The novel serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of conflict on children and communities.
- Loss and Grief: Valentino’s story is marked by profound loss, including the deaths of family members and friends, which shapes his understanding of the world.
- War’s Legacy: The book explores how the scars of war linger long after the fighting has stopped, affecting individuals and societies for generations.
Character Development
Valentino Achak Deng is a richly developed character whose journey resonates deeply with readers.
Valentino’s Journey
Valentino’s character arc is central to the narrative. His experiences, from a carefree child in Sudan to a traumatized refugee, are portrayed with empathy and depth.
- Childhood Innocence: The story begins with Valentino’s innocent perspective, filled with dreams and aspirations.
- Transformation through Trauma: As he experiences the horrors of war and displacement, his character evolves, reflecting the impact of trauma on a young mind.
Supporting Characters
The novel features a cast of supporting characters who enrich Valentino’s story:
- Other Lost Boys: Valentino’s relationships with fellow refugees highlight the camaraderie and shared experiences among the Lost Boys.
- Western Characters: Encounters with Westerners, including aid workers and volunteers, illuminate the complexities of cultural misunderstandings and the challenges of providing aid.
Narrative Structure and Style
What is the What employs a unique narrative structure that blends different timelines and perspectives.
First-Person Narrative
Eggers uses a first-person narrative, allowing readers to intimately experience Valentino’s thoughts and emotions. This perspective deepens the reader's connection to the character and enhances the emotional impact of the story.
Nonlinear Timeline
The novel’s nonlinear structure weaves together Valentino’s past and present, illustrating how memories of trauma and loss shape his current experiences. This technique:
- Enhances Depth: By juxtaposing Valentino's past and present, Eggers provides a deeper understanding of the character's emotional landscape.
- Reflects Memory: The fragmented storytelling mirrors the way trauma affects memory, showing how past experiences continuously influence the present.
Critical Reception and Impact
What is the What received widespread acclaim for its poignant storytelling and its unflinching portrayal of the realities faced by refugees.
Awards and Recognition
The novel has garnered several awards and nominations, including:
- American Book Award: Recognized for its contribution to literature and its exploration of important social issues.
- Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award: Acknowledged for its literary merit and compelling narrative.
Societal Impact
Beyond literary accolades, the novel has had a significant impact on raising awareness about the plight of refugees and the ongoing conflicts in Sudan.
- Educational Use: Many educators incorporate the book into curricula to discuss themes of war, migration, and human rights.
- Advocacy and Fundraising: Eggers’ work has inspired various humanitarian initiatives aimed at supporting refugees and addressing the root causes of displacement.
Conclusion
In What is the What, Dave Eggers creates a powerful narrative that transcends the boundaries of fiction and autobiography, offering readers an unfiltered view of the experiences of a young refugee. Through Valentino Achak Deng’s journey, Eggers illuminates the themes of identity, survival, and the enduring impact of war. This novel not only serves as a testament to human resilience but also as a call to action for a world that often turns a blind eye to the suffering of others. By engaging with Valentino’s story, readers are encouraged to confront the realities of displacement and to cultivate empathy for those affected by conflict. In doing so, What is the What stands as a vital contribution to contemporary literature and humanitarian discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of 'What Is the What' by Dave Eggers?
The central theme of 'What Is the What' revolves around the experiences of Sudanese refugees, particularly the struggles of identity, displacement, and resilience in the face of both personal and collective trauma.
How does Dave Eggers blend fiction and non-fiction in 'What Is the What'?
Dave Eggers uses a narrative approach that combines factual accounts of Valentino Achak Deng's life with fictional elements to create a compelling and immersive story, highlighting the harsh realities of the Sudanese civil war while also exploring universal themes of hope and survival.
What role does Valentino Achak Deng play in 'What Is the What'?
Valentino Achak Deng is both the protagonist and a real-life figure whose story is told in 'What Is the What.' He shares his harrowing journey from Sudan to the United States, illustrating the plight of the Lost Boys of Sudan and the challenges faced by refugees.
What impact did 'What Is the What' have on public awareness of the Sudanese refugee crisis?
Published in 2006, 'What Is the What' significantly raised public awareness of the Sudanese refugee crisis by personalizing the narrative through Valentino's story, prompting discussions about humanitarian issues and the responsibilities of the global community towards refugees.
In what ways does 'What Is the What' address themes of cultural identity?
The novel explores themes of cultural identity by depicting Valentino's struggles to reconcile his Sudanese heritage with his experiences in America, highlighting the challenges of assimilation, belonging, and the preservation of one's cultural roots amidst displacement.
