Freedom is shown through symbols such as guns, rehabilitation and the tapes Ishmael has with him during the war. Freedom is something that Ishmael Beah receives from being a soldier in war and it also creates an easier life for him. The first symbol of freedom is the Ak 47 which Ishamel Beah receives in the army and it is a symbol of freedom. Ishmael Beah says: “Every time I looked at the rebels during the raids, I became even more angry, because they looked like the rebels playing cards in the ruins of the village where I had lost my family. So when the lieutenant gave the orders I shot as many as I could, but I didn't feel any better." (122) The loss of his family is how he channels his grief by harboring hatred towards the rebels who killed them. Ishmael channels his anger with his gun fire. The gun is freedom where he can kill whoever he wants. He believes that if all the rebels were killed, he would successfully achieve freedom, peace, and his soul would be healed. Freedom can also be defined as a sense of security in the world and this is exactly what guns give you too. A gun gives you a sense of security and confidence. If someone is chasing you and you pull out your gun, they will immediately stop and back away. It gives you protection. Ishmael has the freedom to kill. Another symbol of freedom is when he is in rehab. This gives him the chance to be at peace with his new self