Elizabeth Laird, the author of A Little Piece of Ground uses the setting of the cramped apartment which the Aboudi family lives in, to show how determined and persistent the family is

Elizbeth Laird uses characterization to display a special type of brotherly love. With all the teasing, poking, jokes, cries, and laughter the brothers always have each other’s backs and are always there for one another. “it’s alright mama. Karim was only out with Joni. I saw them mucking about”. The sense of brotherly love was heavily shown and demonstrated that when Karim needed his brother to be a big brother, he was. Jamal did not hesitate to stand up for his brother, even though Jamal knew that he had not seen Karim the whole day, he stood up for his brother and covered for him. Jamal stood up for his brother and made sure that he did not get in trouble for wanting to be free and wanting to have fun. Jamal knew how passionate Karim was about his soccer ambition, he stood up for his brother and protected him. The bond which the brothers share is unbreakable. “Jamal” he gasped ‘Are you real? Is it you?’ knowing that his brother was actually beside him, made Karim feel safe and secure “Looking for you, you great nerd”. Jamal showed so much love and courage. As Karim spent two lonely cold nights by himself, his older brother searched for him from sunset to sunrise and did not give up until he found him. Knowing that Jamal did not go home without his brother showed that their love is strong. Without love and persistence and love there is nothing.

Lastly, the author uses the symbolization of Futbol to highlight the freedom which is felt and wanted. The need for freedom occurs when Karim plays Futbol, just the thought of kicking his ball or playing a small game of soccer is heart-warming. Karim is an ambitious young boy who is so determined. He loves Futbol and his love for the sport gives him the chance of freedom, which he never had. As he plays Futbol, his mind is clear, and he feels free. Whenever Karim feels trapped or is on lockdown because of the Israeli soldiers, his love for Futbol reminds him that he is free. The soccer ball has a greater meaning. The ball is used to symbolize freedom, love, ambition, determination, and hard work. The ball also symbolizes the hard work and the time which the young Palestinian boys put into “Hopper’s Ground”. “They’d achieved something real, the three of them, at Hopper’s ground. They’d made a good place out of a rubbish heap”. Knowing that the boys sacrificed so much time, effort and love into this place, they were proud. They were proud of what they created, this showed that goods things will always happen when  you put your mind and heart into it.

.