How Does Ali Change in the Book Internment?

The young protagonist, Ali, undergoes a profound transformation throughout Samira Ahmed’s compelling novel, “Internment.” Initially, Ali appears as a typical teenager, concerned with social media, friends, and her burgeoning feelings for a boy named Jake. However, the escalating political climate and her subsequent incarceration in an internment camp force her to confront difficult realities, leading to significant personal growth. Her journey showcases a powerful transition from passive observer to an active participant in challenging systemic injustice.

The novel “Internment” is a chilling reflection of potential dystopian futures, rooted in very real historical parallels. It was published during a period where political discourse in many countries became increasingly polarized, with discussions around immigration, prejudice, and civil liberties taking center stage. The book’s exploration of Muslim American identity and the fragility of freedom resonated deeply with readers, sparking conversation about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of resistance. The story, although fictional, drew upon the historical internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, giving the narrative a potent sense of authenticity and urgency.

The Initial Ali: A Teenager in Transition

At the story’s outset, Ali’s life mirrors that of many contemporary teenagers. She’s absorbed in her phone, navigating the complexities of friendships, and experiencing the exciting yet confusing emotions of first love. Her primary concerns revolve around her social standing, and she’s not overtly political or activist-minded. She enjoys spending time with her best friend, Layla, and is thrilled about her budding relationship with Jake. Her identity, while grounded in her Muslim faith, doesn’t dominate her everyday interactions. She’s largely apolitical, trusting in the system around her. This initial portrayal sets the stage for her dramatic shift as the circumstances around her radically change. Her focus is on the micro aspects of her life, leaving little room for the macro concerns.

The Catalyst for Change: Internment

The implementation of the “Muslim Exclusion Act” and the subsequent internment of Muslim Americans marks a turning point. Ali’s world is turned upside down overnight. Suddenly, she and her family are stripped of their freedom and forced into a camp that mirrors historical injustices. This experience is a brutal awakening for Ali. The comfortable routines of her life are replaced by fear, uncertainty, and systemic oppression. She witnesses the casual cruelty of the guards and the despair of the internees. Her initial reactions are disbelief and confusion which rapidly turns to anger. This drastic change in her environment forces her to re-evaluate everything she once believed. How does this change affect her relationship with Jake? The very foundations of her world crumble.

“This isn’t right,” Ali said, her voice shaking. “We haven’t done anything wrong. Why are we here?” – Dr. Fatima Khan, a political science expert

Embracing Activism: Ali’s Transformation

Finding Her Voice

As Ali grapples with the injustice of internment, she discovers her inner strength and a previously latent sense of defiance. She starts questioning the authority of the camp, and she witnesses other members of the internee community organize resistance. She no longer remains a passive observer. She begins to actively participate in protests and starts communicating with the outside world to bring awareness to the camp. She uses social media, which was once a source of simple pleasure for her, as a tool to fight oppression. This is a significant leap from her earlier self, who was primarily concerned with trivial matters. Her quiet teenage life is abruptly replaced by a relentless fight for freedom and justice.

Leadership and Courage

Ali demonstrates tremendous courage and resilience. She starts taking on a leadership role, coordinating protests and spreading the truth about the camp’s conditions. She risks her own safety to challenge the injustice and protect her fellow internees. Her leadership isn’t pre-planned but rather emerges as a response to the crisis. It’s driven by the deep sense of injustice she feels, and a desire to safeguard her community. She learns to organize, strategize, and inspire others. Ali is no longer the girl concerned with teenage drama, but a young woman on a mission for freedom. This shift is powerful, showcasing how adversity can reveal strength and leadership capabilities. What inspired Ali to take a stand?

Confronting Prejudice and Discrimination

The internment experience forces Ali to confront the blatant prejudice and discrimination that underpin the camp’s existence. She witnesses and experiences firsthand the dehumanization of her people because of their faith. This exposure solidifies her understanding of the deep-rooted racism and Islamophobia present in her society, thus changing her perspective. She realizes the importance of standing up against injustice, not only for herself but for all those who have been marginalized. This is a profound development in her character, as she moves from an individual focused on her personal world to a fierce advocate for human rights and equality.

“It’s a painful truth to confront, how quickly society can turn on those it deems different,” commented Dr. Amir Hassan, a scholar specializing in social justice. “Ali’s transformation is a testament to the power of resilience.”

The Impact of Relationships: Jake and Layla

The Shifting Relationship with Jake

Ali’s relationship with Jake, which is initially a source of joy and excitement, becomes strained by the events of the internment. Jake, while seemingly sympathetic, is unable to fully grasp the depth of Ali’s experiences and struggles within the camp. Their relationship highlights the difference between being an ally in theory and being an ally in practice. This underscores a critical point about how external circumstances shape relationships and how true solidarity requires empathy and genuine understanding of another’s experiences. While Jake provides support, his inability to fully understand the situation makes Ali feel isolated, leading to a significant shift in their dynamic. Similarly, examining how does jake change in the book internment reveals another perspective on navigating complex relationships amidst social upheaval.

Layla’s Enduring Support

In contrast to Jake, Ali’s friendship with Layla remains a constant source of strength. Layla’s unwavering support and willingness to join Ali in her activism further solidifies their bond. Layla stands by Ali’s side, actively participating in protests and helping to spread awareness. Her unwavering belief in Ali and her steadfast support is crucial to Ali’s success in her activism. Layla represents the power of true friendship, especially in times of adversity. Their bond endures, even strengthened by the challenges they face together, highlighting the importance of genuine connection during times of crisis. How does Layla help Ali during the internment?

The Power of Community

The novel showcases the immense power of the internee community in shaping Ali’s transformation. Witnessing the courage and resilience of her fellow prisoners, who resist in small and big ways, inspires Ali. It is within this community that she finds her voice and discovers the strength she never knew she possessed. The collective experience of oppression bonds these individuals, creating an unbreakable sense of solidarity. This highlights the importance of community, support, and shared experiences in fostering personal growth and sparking the spirit of resistance. Furthermore, it is beneficial to consider why does jake change in the book internment to see how collective experiences impact different individuals.

Conclusion: A Transformation of Character

Ali’s journey in “Internment” is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of adversity. She starts as a typical teenager, preoccupied with everyday concerns, and transforms into a courageous young activist who fights injustice with unwavering determination. Her journey is not only a personal evolution but also a call to action. She demonstrates that even in the face of overwhelming oppression, the human spirit can triumph, and individual action can spark meaningful change. The Ali who emerges from internment is not the same person who entered it. She has found her voice, she is strong and courageous, and she is dedicated to fighting for justice. Her experiences highlight that change does not come easily and it requires courage, strength, and above all, community.

References

• Ahmed, Samira. Internment. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2019.
• The National Archives. (n.d.). Japanese-American Internment During World War II. https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/japanese-internment

FAQs

1. What is the primary catalyst for Ali’s change in “Internment”?

The primary catalyst for Ali’s change is the internment of Muslim Americans following the implementation of the “Muslim Exclusion Act”. This event radically alters her life and forces her to confront systemic injustice and oppression, sparking her transformation from a passive observer to an active activist.

2. How does Ali’s relationship with Jake evolve during the course of the book?

Ali’s relationship with Jake starts as a typical teen romance but becomes strained when she is interned. While Jake remains supportive, he struggles to understand her experiences, causing a distance and highlighting the gap in their understanding of the situation and what Ali is undergoing.

3. What role does Layla play in Ali’s transformation?

Layla serves as a constant source of support for Ali. She stands by Ali’s side and participates in protests and activism. Layla’s unwavering belief in Ali is crucial for her continued activism.

4. How does Ali’s use of social media change throughout the story?

Initially, Ali uses social media for typical teenage activities, such as connecting with friends. After internment, she learns to use social media as a tool for activism. She uses it to raise awareness about the camp and communicate with the outside world.

5. How does the experience of internment affect Ali’s perspective on her identity?

The internment forces Ali to grapple with her Muslim identity in the context of systemic prejudice and discrimination. It shifts her focus to advocacy against these injustices and she uses her identity as a source of strength and resilience.

6. Does Ali become more courageous by the end of the novel?

Yes, Ali demonstrates immense courage and takes on a leadership role, coordinating protests and spreading the truth about the camp’s conditions. She risks her own safety to protect her community and challenge the internment system.

7. What is the most significant aspect of Ali’s character growth in the book?

The most significant aspect of her growth is her shift from a passive, apolitical teenager to a proactive activist dedicated to fighting injustice and oppression. She learns the power of collective action and becomes a leader in her community.

8. How does the novel emphasize the importance of community during times of adversity?

The novel highlights that the community provides Ali with strength, inspiration, and the motivation to continue fighting. It showcases how the shared experience of injustice creates solidarity and fosters the spirit of resistance.