All the Glimmering Stars

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence, rape, death, and physical abuse, emotional abuse, and child abuse.

The voices that Mabior teaches Anthony about become a motif in the novel that develops the theme of The Journey to Agency and Control. Throughout the novel, Anthony struggles with internal conflict over his feelings toward Kony and the LRA. He knows that what they’re doing is wrong and that he’s helping them do it, yet he’s proud of his skills as a radioman and feels as though he has no choice but to follow Kony’s orders.

However, after Anthony meets Mabior, he begins his change. Mabior helps Anthony recognize the way that Kony is manipulating him by telling him about the four voices: “Rush. Violence. Lack. And Fear” (152). Each time Anthony experiences strong feelings like anger, fear, doubt, or guilt about his work with Kony, he recalls different parts of his conversation with Mabior that help him identify and cope with those feelings by reflecting on their root cause. Ultimately, Anthony’s ability to identify Mabior’s different “voices” within himself enables him to remain true to the person he was before the LRA—and, ultimately, to plan his escape and making his way back home.