Navigating our social surroundings and social interactions correctly can help develop character, discernment, and independence. The social growth of two protagonists was displayed in both Beasts of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala and Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth. Agu, who was introduced in the novel Beasts of No Nation as an innocent, young boy, eventually turned into a ‘beast’ because of several influential factors. Like Agu, the protagonist in Boys Without Names by Kashmira Sheth, Gopal, underwent a similar transformation as the plot progressed. Gopal’s change, however, affected his perception on others and the amount of trust he allows for others.
Agu’s development was highlighted throughout Iweala’s novel. Although Agu blatantly stated his hatred for ‘evil’ in the outset of Beasts of No Nation, he progressively developed a yearn to kill, plunder villages, and commit other heinous crimes. Social influences and a fear of Commandant dictated Agu’s actions in the outset of this novel. Although Agu originally didn’t want to kill anyone, he brutally murders “the enemy” under the guidance of his leader,
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Listening to his father’s warning to “be careful in the city,” Gopal approaches the city, and its inhabitants, with caution. (Ch. 3, p.32) However, Gopal meets various people who challenge his father’s reasoning. In chapter 4, Gopal meets Card-man, who was initially ill-mannered, but he changes and earns the trust and respect of Gopal. Likewise, the store owner at the city, who was originally rude to Gopal and his father, helps Gopal’s family after sending off a customer. This pattern also occurred with other characters, such as the Policeman, the bridge couple, the porter, and chachaji. Gopal realized that he was quick to judge the citizens, as one after another replaces his initial doubt with trust. Jatin, however, was different. When Gopal trusted Jatin, he was deceived and kidnapped by