Perseverance In Chanda's Secrets

To have hope, in the face of fear, to allow your light to burn, and march on in hopes of finding a better place, requires perseverance. To persevere one must be brave enough to push away the demons and have the courage to face them as well, this journey is one Chanda has experienced well. The book Chanda’s Secrets, by Allan Stratton, takes place in the city of Bonang, located in Africa. Within the city lives the Kabelo family who have suffered many unfortunate diseases, such as the taboo of AIDS. However, no matter their scenario, one family member, in particular, always finds a way to stride on, this survivor is Chanda. Even though their family is poor and plagued, Chanda is constantly determined to find the light, to hope, with perseverance
It is clear that while she may have her doubts, Chanda will always have hope, which may be her best defence against the obstacles that block her path. This hope shines through Chanda as she thinks of her future. Since she is clearly a bright and capable girl, Mama and her teacher, Mr.Selame encourage and implore her to pursue an academic future, stating she can accomplish great things. Evidently Chanda’s spark of hope ignites, which is highlighted in this quote, “But what if they’re right? What if I could get a scholarship see the world?... Dreams, dreams, dreams.” (Stratton 13) This personal exchange ofChanda’s reveals many of her characteristics. While she may be poor of money, she is not poor of spirit, Chanda demonstrates both a sense of optimism and realism, in the quote, showing that her flame of hope may be small, but it still burns brightly. This is clear when it is aid in the quote, “What if I could get a scholarship see the world?”... Dreams, dreams, dreams.” No matter the rain that tries to dampen its spirits, the flame shall not be extinguished, Chanda’s flame never burns out. Even though Chanda’s life is full of unjoyful and depressing times, she manages to move on and gain hope. After her mother's death, Chanda reflects upon
In the story Mrs.Tafa is known as big, loud, bold and powerful, with control over neighbourhood and the phone, that is Chanda’s only form of communication with Mama, while she is in Tiro. However, once Chanda allows Ester to stay in their home, Mrs.Tafa becomes infuriated, stating she will not live next to a slut, and denies her access to the phone. Chanda, of course, cannot accept this and stands up to Mrs.Tafa, embodying perseverance in the following quote, “As long as that sluts under your roof, you’ll never use my phone… ‘Oh yes I will’... ‘I’ll speak to her one way or another” (Stratton 148) This