Layla seems to fight for a cause she so wholeheartedly believes in Samira Ahmed’s novel, Internment. Like her, David, her love interest, is also a key character. However, how does David evolve throughout the book? This article dives deep into how David changes, David’s contribution towards Layla’s freedom, and his development across the story.
David’s Character at the Start of Internment
David is introduced as Layla’s boyfriend at the start of the story. He is very supportive and caring of her. Despite being a non-muslim, he shows a strong commitment to Layla and her struggles. However, his initial approach to helping Layla is shaped by his limited understanding of her reality.
Key Traits at the Start:
- Pathetic or Staunch: David is fully committed to Layla’s emotional well-being, however, he does not understand the depth of her challenges as a Muslim woman.
- Aperture order: With all his social limitations, David prefers kindness over dominant political and community order. He steers clear of challenges to the system.
- Concerned: He aids Layla the most with the means of safety.
The Catalyst for Change: Layla’s Internment
David’s shift starts when an interment camp takes in Layla and her family. This event forces David to accept the brutal truth of systemic oppression and rise to the occasion.
Key Moments That Push David Toward Change:
- His Inaction created injustice: David was never an internee himself but his inaction during the process sorely mistreated Layla and her family.
- Engagement towards resistance: He actively shows concern for Layla and her internee-related activities, even if it comes with a personal sacrifice.
- He tests his privilege: Initially, as a non-Muslim, David has a luxurious pass. However, as he becomes more cognizant, his conscience prompts him to change the agenda to aid Layla and others.
How David Changes in Internment
David’s character evolves significantly throughout the novel as he becomes more courageous, self-aware, and proactive in his efforts to support Layla and resist injustice.
From Passive Support to Active Resistance
- At first, David provides emotional support from a distance, but as the story progresses, he takes more direct action by helping Layla communicate with allies outside the camp.
- He risks his safety to smuggle information and resources, showing a newfound willingness to confront the system.
Greater Empathy and Understanding
His comprehension incapacitates him when he finds out how Layla manages to live as a Muslim in a world ready to pounce on every opportunity to tear her apart. He grows to understand the systemic nature of oppression and is then encouraged to take action as part of a larger group.
Emergence of Courage
- David transitions from avoiding confrontation to actively putting himself in danger for the greater good.
- His courage is most evident when he collaborates with Layla to expose the horrors of the internment camp to the outside world.
David’s Transformation in Key Phases
Phase | Key Characteristics | Actions Taken |
---|---|---|
Beginning of the Book | Supportive but cautious | Provides emotional support to Layla |
During Internment | Witnesses injustice, becomes more involved | Helps smuggle information and resources |
Climactic Resistance | Bold, empathetic, and proactive | Collaborates with Layla to resist tyranny |
Thematic Significance of David’s Transformation
David’s journey shifts towards awakening broader topics, which in turn, blends several themes from the Internament. David illustrates that courage is not only exhibiting strength but also going beyond personal limits to do what’s right.
FAQs
How does David support Layla during her internment?
David loves Layla and comes to terms with the unjust abuses she is subjected to. His motivation takes off even further as he sees the system’s injustice in action.
What motivates David to take greater risks?
David is driven by his love for Layla and his growing awareness of the injustices she faces. His motivation increases as he witnesses the systemic oppression firsthand.
How does David’s privilege affect his role in the story?
As a non-Muslim, David starts from a place of relative safety. However, he uses his privilege to help amplify Layla’s voice and support her cause.
Does David face any consequences for his actions?
While David does not experience the same level of oppression as Layla, he risks his safety and freedom by helping her resist the system.
What does David’s transformation teach readers?
David’s transformation accounts for the need for allies, empathy, and the willingness to work against wrongs even if they must undergo certain consequences.
Conclusion
David’s evolution in the book Internment is testimony of how love and compassion, accompanied by a growing sense of justice, can inspire transformative change. At first, David is apprehensive, almost ignorant of the situation, but later he turns out to be an active and supportive friend to Layla. Using his resources and influence, he becomes an ardent activist against subjugation. This instance underscores the importance of allies in the fight for social change and the importance of advocacy, regardless of the dangers involved.