What Is Mariatu Role In The Bite Of The Mango

Memory is the ability to capture, store, and subsequently recall information and past experiences through the human brain. It is general thought as the use of past experience to affect or impact current behaviour. The memoir, The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara and Susan McClelland has specific moments where it is evident that memory has a definitive and substantial role. Mariatu’s recollection invoked hope, courage, and resilience and by invoking these emotions, it guided Mariatu throughout her journey. Her ability to recall specific past events, such as memory of the happy times, recollection of past guidance, and the memory of past horrors, was indicative to the decisions that lead her to where she is now.

Hope can be defined as an optimistic

attitude of mind no matter what situation an individual is going through. Mariatu’s ability to draw past bouts of happiness gave her hope, as it helped her focus on the future and gave her a moment of peace. An example of when Mariatu drew a hopeful memory is when she recalls the moment when a tiny yellow and brown weaver fell out of the sky. She said, “For the longest time, I watched that stubborn bird tried to stand up on its crooked little legs, flapping its wings wildly, only to topple over and lie still before trying all over again. Then something happened. After the bird had lain motionless for so long, I thought it was dead, it stood up as solid as ever and lifted off into the sky.” (Kamara and McClelland 59). This quote and memory was significant as recalling this memory, it gave her hope. At that moment, Mariatu had escaped the rebels, started living with her disability, and now had to be transported to another hospital to combat her infections. Mariatu recalled this memory after meeting up with her cousins, thinking that they were dead. Despite the obstacles she overcame, she remembered the weaver and the joy it gave her when the bird flew away, thus comparing it to seeing her cousins again. Not only was she happy, but this recollection gave her hope. Seeing the bird in a miraculous survival, it gave her an optimistic view for the future, saying “I laughed and I laughed. I felt like that little weaver again […] I had the feeling I could learn to fly.” (Kamara and McClelland 64) Another memory of happiness is when Fatmata is about to get initiated in the Bondo Secret Society in page 87. Despite the initial initiation being very painful, it is the whole process of it that makes this a pleasant memory. The absence of chores, relaxation, deep clean, special feast, and new clothes made Mariatu enjoy it – writing that is was “the experience let us laugh” (Kamara and McClelland 89). This memory took her out of reality – which was dark, sad, and full of pain - and took her to a time of dancing and feasting – a time of place which she sorely missed and allowed her to have a moment’s peace. Through all this, we see that Mariatu’s reminiscence of joyous times gave her a break from the dark and pain of reality and subconsciously took her to place back in time where it was full of joy and peace. This allowed Mariatu to focus on the future, and ultimately gave her hope.
According to Merriam Webster, courage is the ability to willingly choose to confront danger, pain, and or intimidation.

In the memoir, we can see that Mariatu’s capability to draw past guidance helped her gain courage and aided her in confronting her captors/ enemies and her fears. The first example of this can be seen, where Mariatu held at gunpoint and is able to draw a past recollection of when Marie says “If you ever get into this position, always say that you like what you see.” (Kamara and McClelland 34). This piece of advice given by Aunt Marie, gave her a small sense of safety and bravery, in a place of horror and merciless. This clearly shows that her being able to recall this important moment had saved her life at this moment, otherwise she could have ended like the pregnant lady who was killed moments before. Another example can be found when Mariatu remembers when Marie says “Always look forward” (Kamara and McClelland 137). This quote is in the context of Mariatu going overseas with the goal of getting an education and supporting her family back home. To anybody, going across the world at months at a time is a daunting task, especially to do so at a young age. Mariatu’s ability to draw this advice helps her be able to confront the fear and intimidation of going to a foreign land by herself. This was crucial in the aspects of her unimaginable journey as Mariatu realizing her goals, she able to successfully reach her destination and bring aid to not just her

immediate family but to all the victims of assault and war. From these examples it is evident that Mariatu’s ability to successfully remember these words of wisdom and encouragement had helped her gain courage and subsequently aided her in confronting the Rebels and overcoming her fear.
From the Psychology Today website, resilience can be defined as an individual's ability to properly adapt to stress and adversity.

In order to be resilient, one must be able to reflect and understand the tragic events that had unfolded before them. Mariatu’s ability to draw past horrors helps her move in life, makes her a stronger, and a more independent woman. An example of this is when Mariatu says “ I remembered my flight after the rebel attack, my long walk alone in the bush, my close calls with the barking dogs and spitting cobras. […] I knew then what I had to do. I may not have hands, but I have a voice” on page 211. This shows that after recalling the haunting memories of her journey, she is able to overcome great adversity and is later able to do great things, with the publication of this memoir. Mariatu recalling these memories has helped her recognize her plan and subsequently made her into a stronger woman. She recognizes her past traumas, and instead of weeping, crying, and playing as a victim, she realizes the power in her story and voice and acts as someone who can do great things, such as bringing awareness and inspiration. Katherine Conway, who is a law school graduate and working in international development, writes “Memory plays a particularly central role in how post-conflict societies understand their identities and how individuals within these contexts heal and move forward. Memory and the creation of a narrative may be a pre-requisite for healing,

which will subsequently support processes of coexistence, and reconciliation. A healthy memory environment is one where healing is possible on the individual and societal level.” This passage shows that drawing past horrors is necessary for an individual to begin the healing process. Memory can be vital to not just embracing them, but to interpret and incorporate them into a larger set of meaning. Through this quote, we see that Mariatu’s ability to draw out past horror memories throughout her journey, allowed her to become a stronger and resilient women.
In conclusion, it is evident that the memory had a significant role in the memoir, The Bite of the Mango. Not only is it significant to write the memoir, but It had specific implications throughout the unimaginable journey of Mariatu. Mariatu’s ability to draw specific memories had invoked feelings of hope, courage, and resilience. Through invoking those feelings and emotions, it had helped guide Mariatu through hardship and adversity.