A Handful of Dates

The story A Handful of Dates describes a young boy's admiration for his childhood hero, as well as his harsh debut into reality. The protagonist is a typical adolescent boy, being raised in Sudan. In a prominently Islamic area, the boy would often be found at the Mosque, reading the Koran and studying from his wood slate. He would do this with much more enthusiasm than most young boys. Although the direct reason for this is never given, it is safe to assume that this is done to earn the pride and applause of his grandfather (whom the boy thinks very highly of). The boy's idolization of his grandfather is further cemented when he compares the majestic river to his grandfather, speaks poetically of his beautiful white beard, and boasts of his granddad's tall and godly figure.

However, the boy's feelings towards his grandfather are suddenly changed, when it comes time to harvest the family's palm trees for dates. The young boy, again by his grandfather's side, sees their neighbour Masood in the field. He notices Masood's less-than-fancy apparel, and asks his grandfather why he is dressed in such a way. His grandfather explains that Masood is not very wealthy. In fact, he sold much of his land to the grandfather in order to support his many marriages. The young boy caught on to the obvious lack of respect and empathy in his grandfather's voice.

Later, as the dates are being harvested, the young boy contrasts the behaviours of his grandfather and the neighbour, Masood. He notices that his grandfather has an all-business mind-state, whereas Masood genuinely cares for and loves the land. He even goes as far as personifying the palm trees. The boy found that he related to Masood, in the way that they both loved and respected the land for more than just monetary value. At the end of the harvest, the bags of dates were split up between the boy's grandfather, townsmen, and merchants. Masood received none of the dates.

Utter shock filled the boy, who was eating some dates that his grandfather had given him. Masood cared for the land the most, yet his grandfather unsympathetically took all the crops. The boy felt a sudden urge to run to the river (the same river that he compared his grandfather too) and he symbolically induced himself to vomit the dates he was given. The symbolism alone shows that he has a very different opinion about his grandfather, and also shows maturity and a better understanding of the world.