Maaza Mengiste's Beneath The Lions Gaze

One might say that throughout the world, there are dark ages. However, problematic times ultimately bring peace. It is no secret that there is war, dictatorship, and death throughout the world. In the novel “Beneath the Lions Gaze”, written by Maaza Mengiste, the author tells a story of a historically and violent movement taken place in the country of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1974. Yonus, a prominent student and his family go through unimaginable hardships facing death, starvation, and most importantly finding their true selves and what they stand for. In this essay the author will list the key passages in order of importance from greatest to least. Yonus a brother, father, and husband develops the theme of self-discovery, and unlocks the reader’s understanding of what finding ones purpose in life really is.
1. “Yonus knew what he

needed to do. He grabbed the weapon, grim and determined, and smashed the butt of the gun into the soldier’s cheek, then again when the soldier tried to rise, then again. Then the soldier lay still and everything slowed and his daughter and wife slid out from underneath that uniformed mass, and Yonus aimed the rifle at the soldier’s heart” (300).

Yonus is portrayed in the beginning of the novel as a calm and collected person, physically fighting was never in his text book. Yonus lived a life of obedience, especially towards his mother Selam. This remains the most important passage because it relates the importance of the entire book. This passage involving the confrontation between Yonus and a soldier provides fundamental information on the transformation of Yonus. Yonus gives the reader insight on what it means to finally take a stand in his life. One must not always sit back and watch as the fight goes on, sometimes a person must step in and protect their beliefs.

2. “SARA LAY ONTOP of Yonus, chest to chest, mouth against mouth, and told him everything. She watched him listen to her stories, attentive and loving. She let his hand trail the top of her head and find the scar” (284).
Maaza Mengiste tends to concentrate on both Yonus and Sara, however this passage shows Yonus’s growth in understanding and redeeming himself as a beloved husband. Moreover, the readers can see Yonus actually listening and being attentive towards his wife, it’s a major change within Yonus’s and Sara’s relationship. This passage is important because it shows Yonus growing into a better and stronger person. He no longer has the burden of a broken marriage, he can now relate to the feelings and perspectives of other people besides himself. Yonus makes the passion and love come to life, allowing the reader to get a better understanding of how he actually feels.
3. “Yonus slapped the man’s hand from his sweater and raised his chin. He searched Shiferaw’s face.” And my brother?” he asked. “It’s not enough.” Shiferaw held out his other palm, then flinched when Yonus reached for his throat. “Okay, okay. I have a family too,” he said, backing away” (266).
The author employs conflict throughout the whole passage. Not only does one understand Yonus in a physical confrontation, but as well as his protectiveness over his brother Dawit. When Yonus reaches for Shiferaw’s throat, it proves the uprising character flourishing from the old character. Yonus’s and Dawit’s relationship started off on wrong terms, yet they grew to understand each other’s point of view. This passage continues to show Yonus’s expression of his emotions and his abilities as he grows to become a true man. Most importantly it provides the irony in the novel.
4.

“Yonus waited until the soldiers curved into the bend of the road and disappeared, and the anthems of the frightened marchers faded into the sky, then he walked back to Berhane and lifted him in his arms and hugged him. He cradled his head, upping it so it wouldn’t loll back, then he carried the boy back to the car and laid him in the backseat, tucked under a frayed blanket he hadn’t known was there” (262).

This passage concentrates on the heroic aspect of “Beneath the Lions Gaze”, the readers can see Yonus stepping up to do a selfless act. Yonus starts to risk his own life, knowing that he could possibly be killed for moving the young boy’s body. This passage is important because it shows the tone of parts of the novel. How can someone do such disgusting acts against a child? Moreover, will there be any justice in Berhane’s death? Yonus’s actions prove change is possible, especially in the worst of circumstances.

5. “Yonus reared back, yanked Dawit by the shirt, threw him to the ground, and Knelt on his chest. He had a choke hold on Dawit’s collar, jerking him up till they met face-to-face. “Am I a coward to you?” he hissed”

(163).

Maaza Mengiste uses the clash between both brothers’ views in this passage to prove ones love for their family. Family is everything in this novel, there is so much passion and hatred at the same time. Although this may be an odd way to prove family connection, it works in a sense that Yonus is only upset because he’s trying to protect his loved ones. Yonus shows his dominance over his brother to prove his obedience towards Tizita and Sara. Can one only imagine what could have possibly happened if any of the family members were caught with Dawit’s flyers? Dawit proved to be not only careless, but selfish. He deserved to be treated in such a manner where he could learn his lesson. This passage continues to show the importance of family and protection for one another.

6. “There was nothing you could do. I tried everything,” Yonus whispered. “I had to take him. They would have come for us” (185).

In this passage we see Yonus acting as a coward. Essentially, a person would fight to keep their father from danger. However, did Yonus make the right decision? One must think of the circumstance that could have happened to the family because of someone’s selfish wishes. The author uses this passage in order to help the reader better recognize why Yonus chose to take his father to jail, rather than hiding him. Additionally, it adds suspense as to what is going to happen next in the novel.

7. “Let’s hide you,” Yonus said, still kneeling, “I’ll wake Dawit and we’ll hide you.” He wrapped his arm around his father’s legs, “I’ll go instead,” Yonus said.” I can go talk to them. I’ll take Dawit and we’ll go together.” Yonus reach out to embrace his father, but Hailu made no move towards him. He let his arms drop. He was not the son his father needed. He understood, finally, what his mother had always known about Dawit, that this son of hers was the strongest of her children. Dawit would have fought with Hailu, instead of wanting to hug him like a child. Dawit would have burst into the jail and demanded they leave his father alone” (182).

Yonus and Dawit have very different relationships with their mother and father. Yonus knows his mother’s secrets and wishes and he is civil with his father. Dawit on the other hand continues to constantly bump heads with Hailu, and his relationship with his mother is very strong. This passage allows the readers to get inside Yonus’s head, and hear his conscience. Yonus understands that he is not the strong son or brother; he lacks courage and ambition. On the other hand, on has to argue if Yonus is weak or just a sensitive human being.

8. “Yonus swung his right hand. Sara’s mouth was still open when his palm connected with the side of her face. The blow was hard. Its momentum threw her against the wall with a thud. Sara charged at him. Yonus stumbled backwards, dazed, startled as much by her ferocity as by what he’d just done. Never had he raised a hand to Sara” (92).

The author uses this passage to show imagery, the reader can almost see Yonus physically hitting Sara. What happens between the two is appalling, what type of man would ever put his hands on a women? Truth be told, the only man that would do such an act is a coward. This passage shows the significance towards many other parts of the novel. Readers can see many similarities, especially because there is so much violence in the novel. Is it not a coincidence that with all the violence through this novel that it brings out such love?

9. “Dawit lowered his voice.” Who’s going to speak up for them?” he asked. “People like you, who just want to hide until things get better?” He tore the square chunk of bread angrily and shoved a piece in his mouth. “At least we’re trying to get things changed” (47).
This passage represents another reason of what Yonus’s family thinks about him. Not only does he understand what he represents as a person but as well as why they think of him in the way they do. The author uses this passage to give readers insight on how Yonus was perceived, to what he grew into. The scene where Dawit is shoving a piece of bread in his mouth represents frustration towards Yonus. It is important because it shows before and after’s opinions on Yonus.

In concluding, Yonus portrays a young man who lacks courage, and perseverance. He later grows in to a man who helps the readers understand the significance of the novel “Beneath The Lions Gaze”, of self-discovery. In my most honest opinion this novel is extraordinary, it focuses on what people do and who they become during hard times. I would highly recommend this book to other people, so that they too can learn what struggles different people from different countries go through. There may not always be a picture perfect rainbow on the other side, but that’s doesn’t mean there is not happiness.