Socratic Seminar Reflection #2

 n our first Socratic Seminar for the novel Kite Runner we had a great introduction to the story. While I generally kept my own opinion my peers showed me new ways to look at Amir and the relationship he shared with Hassan . I was even forced to think of things I hadn’t such as maybe Amir was too young to properly handle the situations he was put under. This opened many ideas about whether Amir was a victim as well and if he is in what way? He longed for love and acceptance by his father so much that he became jealous towards anyone that his father favored. My peers even helped me to strengthen my previous ideas. For example even though Hassan is poorer he is so much stronger that Amir emotionally and is able to protect Amir regardless of how he is treated. Hassan understood Amir so well that he could predict what he was thinking.

The statement that Amir's father was not a very good father was very accurate to me. He didn't really try to find ways to connect to his son and simply love him for the person he was. Many times Amir could plainly see the disgust or irritation in his father's face. This forces Amir to never feel good enough for everyone else or as if he didn't get the "right traits" to be successful. I didn't agree with the statement that he made these horrible decisions because he was too young or scared. I believe he didn't save Hassan because he was selfish. He even states how Hassan's misfortune was the price he had to pay to win his fathers love. Amir was old enough to understand right from wrong and help his friend in dire need. 

Being able to make our own questions worked really well for the seminar. We were able to talk about the things we thought were the most important. More importantly parts of the book we really understood and could connect with. This allowed us to have a deeper conversation.

Since this book has so many controversial topics While making our own questions was helpful it also limited us in a way. Both groups had very similar questions and this showed in the second group. Also a better distribution of people would be helpful. There was a clear difference between the first and second group where the first conversation was more interesting and heated. A better distribution of people may influence other to speak up more and be apart of the conversation.

Socratic Seminar Reflection #1

  In our first Socratic Seminar for the novel Kite Runner we had a great introduction to the story. While I generally kept my own opinion my peers showed me new ways to look at Amir and the relationship he shared with Hassan . I was even forced to think of things I hadn’t such as maybe Amir was too young to properly handle the situations he was put under. This opened many ideas about whether Amir was a victim as well and if he is in what way? He longed for love and acceptance by his father so much that he became jealous towards anyone that his father favored. My peers even helped me to strengthen my previous ideas. For example even though Hassan is poorer he is so much stronger that Amir emotionally and is able to protect Amir regardless of how he is treated. Hassan understood Amir so well that he could predict what he was thinking. 

The statement that Amir's father was not a very good father was very accurate to me. He didn't really try to find ways to connect to his son and simply love him for the person he was. Many times Amir could plainly see the disgust or irritation in his father's face. This forces Amir to never feel good enough for everyone else or as if he didn't get the "right traits" to be successful. I didn't agree with the statement that he made these horrible decisions because he was too young or scared. I believe he didn't save Hassan because he was selfish. He even states how Hassan's misfortune was the price he had to pay to win his fathers love. Amir was old enough to understand right from wrong and help his friend in dire need. 

Being able to make our own questions worked really well for the seminar. We were able to talk about the things we thought were the most important. More importantly parts of the book we really understood and could connect with. This allowed us to have a deeper conversation.

Since this book has so many controversial topics While making our own questions was helpful it also limited us in a way. Both groups had very similar questions and this showed in the second group. Also a better distribution of people would be helpful. There was a clear difference between the first and second group where the first conversation was more interesting and heated. A better distribution of people may influence other to speak up more and be apart of the conversation.

Socratic Seminar #4

Socratic Seminar Prep Sheet:

Part I: Summarization

I read part three of “1984” by George Orwell. In the final section of the novel Winston has been captured by the government and is now enduring constant torture and questioning. The man Winston originally believed was against Big Brother is his torturer. He ultimately is still against the party and O'Brien is forced to take him to room 101. He finally submits to the party and finds  love and comfort in Big Brother's face.

 Part II: Question Development

1.     vWinston hardly thinks about Julia while he is in the Ministry of Love. What does this show about their relationship?

-  This supports the claim that Julia and Winston were only attracted to each other because of their common opposition towards the party. It wasn't real love where they would never betray each other. This also shows how influential pain can be on a persons feelings. (Logical Appeal)

2.      O'Brien betrayed Winston but Winston still favors him. Why is this?

            -  When Winston does as O'Brien wants he doesn't feel as much pain.This is why Winston unconsciously associates O'Brien with comfort. Even before he was caught O'Brien was the first person Winston met that had the capability of thinking like him.  (Emotional Appeal)

3.     When Winston is first captured he meets fellow prison mates that he previously predicted would be captured. How does this go along with O'Briens statements that Winston already knew he was for the party?

-       In the beginning of the novel Winston was positive that he and other people around him would be captured. This foreshadowed this point of the story where his former neighbors are happy they have been captured. Winston knew his fate he just always had hope in the back of his head that he could somehow escape it.(Emotional appeal)

4.     How is O'Brien weak/ a coward for giving into the party?

-       Winston will be killed by the party anyway so it would have been better if he died believing what was right. Staying alive just to live a life of lies is not worth it. He is a coward because he already went through so much pain but couldn't take his biggest fear. (Logical appeal)

5.     After Winston has called out Julia's name he is ready to have her head eaten by rats. How does this show the undeniable strength of the party and the type of physiological affect they can have on a person? 

          - The party is so intrusive and in control that they know the deepest fear of its prisoners. The party will do anything to force its people to love the party. The fact that the party knows these things can have a horrible mental effect on a person.There is no escape except for giving in. Winston even fantasizes about the day when he will be shot. (Logical appeal)

6.     What may have caused Winston to begin to cry out Julia's name?

- Winston stated how he could feel that he was most-likely about to be shot and his pain would be over. He most likely unconsciously wants to suffer and wanted the party to be sure that he would die still hating it. It is very interesting how much he desired being shot. It is almost as if tat is the whole reason he rebelled. Just so he could be killed by the party.(Emotional appeal)

7.     What is it like to have strong feelings towards something or someone but have to keep it bottled up?

          - It is believed by many people that no matter how hard you try to keep feelings bottled up or unknown they will come out one way or another. It is almost human instinct to express your feelings. Attempting to do so would be really hard to do and most likely painful. (Emotional appeal)

8.     Have you ever experienced pain so intense you would do ANYTHING to stop?

           - No I personally haven't felt pain that serious but any type of pain is worth trying to stop if you can. (Logical appeal)

      9.   Why do you think privacy is such an important thing around the world?

-Having privacy is important to everyone. Everyone wants to have a place where they can’t be bothered or harmed by anyone else. That is why it is so important.

Part III: Tracking Evidence

·       “I shall save you, I shall make you perfect”

·      “he must keep his  hatred locked up inside of him like a ball of matter” 

Socratic Seminar Reflection #3

Malaika Hall

English/per.3

May 12^th 2014

Socratic Seminar #3 Final Reflection

            In our third Socratic Seminar for the novel 1984 we finally begin to embark towards the end of the novel. While I generally kept my own opinion my peers showed me new ways to look at Winston as he progresses from discrete attempts to learn the truth about Oceania to direct acts against the party. I was even forced to think of things I hadn’t such as maybe Winston and Julia aren't meant to be together.  Since Julia and Winston really have any other people to choose from maybe they are only attracted to each other because they are against the party. This could be supported by Julia not having the same interests as Winston.  My peers even helped me to strengthen my previous ideas. For example the “Big Brother” party purposely waited until Winston had hopes of successfully destroying the party to reveal that they had been watching him all along. This would make defeat more devastating for Winston. 

The statement that Winston and Julia are not compatible was very accurate to me. Even though they definitely fell in love it was a lack of free spirited people that ultimately drew thew towards each other. Other than their similar desire to rebel against the government there was no real evidence of compatibility. Regardless of this Party allowed their illegal love affair to go. I believe the party is less focused on keeping their comrades in line but releasing the need to do so. Any one that they needed to be forced to obey laws was simply killed. This is most limey the fate of Winston and Julia. I disagreed with the statement that Winston and Julia needed to be more carefully and if they had been they wouldn't have gotten caught. Careful or not it was specific places like Mr. Charringtons shop that were all over the Prole area. Places where it was believed they weren't being watched they in fact were. The party was cunning and there was literally no privacy any where. There most likely isn't a place they couldn't go that hadn't been thought of. 

Being able to make our own questions was very helpful for the seminar. We were able to focus on parts of the book we really understood and could connect with. Also even though having a long reading was harder it allowed us to have more to discus. This made the conversation much more interesting. Finally having a half time where we could reflect on how we were doing was very important. We were able to get the opinion of our peers so we could come back and have a better discussion. This allowed us to have a deeper conversation.

While making our own questions was helpful it also limited us in a way. Everyone comes up with similar questions and the second group becomes a sort of repeat. Also a better distribution of people would be helpful. There was a clear difference between the first and second group where the first conversation was more interesting and heated. A better distribution of people may influence other to speak up more and be apart of the conversation.

Socratic Seminar Reflection #2

Malaika Hall

English/per.3

May 5^th 2014

Socratic Seminar #2 Final Reflection

            In our second Socratic Seminar for the novel 1984 we continued with and introduction to the story and begin to see how the plot will emerge. While I generally kept my own opinion my peers showed me new ways to look at Winston and his more direct attempts to learn the truth about Oceania before the revolution.  I was even forced to think of things I hadn’t such as maybe the proles aren't smart enough to rebel against the Brotherhood. Since a prole has never experienced a better life they may be content with the constant danger they are in and have no reason to rebel against it. There is a similar issue with all the comrades except they are under constant supervision. My peers even helped me to strengthen my previous ideas. For example the “Big Brother” party was purposely destroying everything that a person might fight for . This includes family, love, and even beauty. The party made sure the only alliance someone had was to the Brotherhood.

The statement that there might not actually be a war going on was very accurate to me. There was no real evidence of a war other than than the occasional dropping of bombs. The use of propaganda and pictures of the war could all be faked and used to bring the comrades together. Winston stated how the people around him were ugly and would be even if they weren't poor. I believe this goes back to the party making sure there was no beauty in the world. I disagreed with the statement that Winston was in touch with his emotions. Winston saw a severed hand and simply kicked it into a gutter. He did not spend any thought on the subject or think about the person that might have just lost there hand. I believe that regardless of how different Winston is from other comrades he has still been negatively affected by the party.

Once again being able to make our own questions was very helpful for the seminar. We were able to focus on parts of the book we really understood and could connect with. Having a half time where we could reflect on how we were doing was very important. We were able to get the opinion of our peers so we could come back and have a better discussion. This allowed us to have a deeper conversation.

While making our own questions was helpful it also limited us in a way. Everyone comes up with similar questions and the second group becomes a sort of repeat. Also a better distribution of people would be helpful. There was a clear difference between the first and second group where the first conversation was more interesting and heated. A better distribution of people may influence other to speak up more and be apart of the conversation.

Socratic Seminar Reflection #1

Malaika Hall

English/per.3

April 29^th 2014

Socratic Seminar #1 Final Reflection

            In our first Socratic Seminar for the novel 1984 we had a great introduction to the story. While I generally kept my own opinion my peers showed me new ways to look at Winston and his slow path to rebellion. I was even forced to think of things I hadn’t such as the “broken elevator” symbolizing the broken promises in the government. This opened many ideas about things such as all the contradiction in the names of the many “ministries”. There are ministries of peace and truth where the purposes of these ministries are actually the opposite. My peers even helped me to strengthen my previous ideas. For example the “Big Brother” party purposely-targeting young children to build their own generation of loyal subjects. The party was very manipulative and focused on eliminating the need to think for yourself.

The statement that the all-seeing government forced people not to trust themselves or others was very accurate to me. Winston stated how he hated people he was attracted to and was anxious about the connection he felt with O’Brien. Many people were so concerned with being aligned with the laws of the government that it became hard to actually have friends or trust anyone. I disagreed with the statement that Winston was consciously attempting to rebel against the government through his journal. I believe that he was simply trying to express his feelings that had been bottled up for a long time.

Being able to make our own questions worked really well for the seminar. We were able to talk about the things we thought were the most important. More importantly parts of the book we really understood and could connect with. This allowed us to have a deeper conversation.

While making our own questions was helpful it also limited us in a way. Both groups had very similar questions and this showed in the second group. Also a better distribution of people would be helpful. There was a clear difference between the first and second group where the first conversation was more interesting and heated. A better distribution of people may influence other to speak up more and be apart of the conversation.

Othello Dramatic Reading Words and Actions Video

A. Link to YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0AL_OlTK1o


B. Statement of Intent

         For my Dramatic Reading video I chose a 22 line excerpt from Act 5 Scene 1. This excerpt was mainly a dialogue between Iago and Roderigo but included a short soliloquy at the end. In the beginning of the excerpt I chose a very comforting but stern tone for Iago. This was because Iago was trying to further convince Roderigo that he was making the right decision. Iago had to convince Roderigo that he needed to start a fight with Cassio. But little did Roderigo know that whether he  or Cassio dies Iago will benefit. Iago speaks of this towards the end of the excerpt which is when I chose a more sneaky tone. Roderigo most likely felt scared and unsure which are the tones I chose for him.

        From this excerpt I truly was able to understand how conniving and manipulative Iago was. He knew exactly which buttons to push on each person in the story. He knew what he needed to say to make Roderigo fight Cassio. Roderigo was just a chess piece for Iago that couldn't think for himself or realize when he was being played.

       The use of soliloquy's throughout the story provide very useful information to the viewer. This moves the plot in a positive direction for Iago but his evil plans aren't known by the characters in the play. If the characters  had somehow caught on to Iago's plan as the audience knew perhaps they wouldn't have died. my excerpt was actually the start of Iago's plans not join in his favor because only Roderigo dies.

short essay #3

               In the novel “The Other Wes Moore” the author also named Wes Moore describes the lives of two boys who despite their similarities take on two totally different life paths.  As these two boys enter adult and take on their life paths the similarities between these two boys decrease more and more. Wes who just like Wes 2 was originally facing problems deciding what to do with his life is now on his way to becoming a rhodes scholar and decorated veteran while Wes 2 faces a court room on accomplice and robbery charges and eventually life in prison. The reader can begin to  look back on the lives of these young men  and determine what had the most influence on their lives today. The title of Part 2: “Paths Taken and Expectations Fulfilled” directly applies to the major life choices of Wes and Wes 2 and the idea throughout the novel that people do "what others expect of" them.

                    As children Wes and Wes 2 were intelligent, loving, funny, fatherless, and had mothers who wanted the best for them. But as time went on it was proven that it is only a combination of good choices and positive surroundings that lead to success. Wes and Wes 2 most likely took on different life paths because of the difference life choices they made.  Wes eventually decided to take education seriously while Wes 2 dropped out. Wes only had to be responsible for himself while Wes 2 was not careful and early on carried the responsibility of children. Wes and Wes 2 knew they had to be smart and lead and honest life but Wes fortunately never got involved in drugs while Wes 2 wasn't strong enough to stay away. In comparison  to Wes, Wes 2 who  was recently releases from prison after only 6 months (very short for what he could have served) carried the rules of the streets with him and eventually dropped out of high school. Both Wes's got a second chance to get their lives together, but the two parallel biographies determined whether they took advantage or not. Wes 2 didn't have very high expectations for himself, excepted being arrested as routine and when he was angry reacted strongly and without thinking. Meanwhile Wes was finally beginning to understand that he had to live an honest life and think before he acts.

              In the end, the next three chapters show how “Choices and Second Chances” are only beneficial if a person understands how important they are. Many people need the help of a positive environment or people around them to make these decisions. This is shown through the differences between Wes and Wes 2. Both boys had potential to be great but will become very different people as a result of this difference.

Chapter 8: Surrounded

Importance of Education/ Crimes

                 In the eighth chapter "Surrounded"  Wes Moore 1 and 2 experience the final major changes in adult hood that will effect both of them forever. As growing adults their lives no longer share many similarities. There were two common themes of importance of education and crimes.

Quote 1: "Wes was walking down a street, Philly cheesesteak in one hand and a new pair of blue jeans in the other."(p.153)

-Wes 2 and his brother Tony were currently the most wanted people in Maryland. They were two key suspects in a robbery and murder of a police officer. Before they were arrested it was Wes's family that had to deal with the police. Meanwhile Wes and his brother could be found chilling in Philadelphia. Wes and his brother were very inconsiderate to allow his family to face ridicule alone. This makes Wes and his brother seem selfish. This goes against Wes's 2 ideas of living a more healthy and honest life.

Quote 2: "Maybe it was because he'd never thought long term about his life at all " (p.157)
-As Wes finally receives his life sentence in jail he reflects on how he ended up in that situation. It wasn't until Wes 2 received an extreme consequence that he thought about his life in a long term view. This is very different from Wes who as early as high school began to think about what he wanted to do with his life. He even states "I started to think seriously about how I could become the person I wanted to be." This shows another main resin for why the two boys turned out so different. Wes 2 didn't even know the type of questions he needed to ask himself. This shows a lack of adult throughout his life. Wes 2 didn't have the support like Wes had or people to tell him about life.

Quote 3: "Early losses condition you to believe that  short-term plans are always smarter"(p.157)
-Once again Wes 2 was taught the rules of the "street." Even though these rules helped him earn money it was beliefs such as this that didn't support living a healthy life. Because Wes 2 was only thinking about his life in short-term it would be hard for Wes to truly learn from his mistakes.  

Quote 4: "He felt very alone. He sighed deeply. A sudden apathy sapped him" (p.157)
- As Wes 2  receives his sentence of life in prison these are the expressions he feels. He realizes that the odds aren't in his favor and the jury is most likely against him. This shows how the odds are against many black males even outside of the court room. Many people feel scared of them no one takes the time to hear their story of feel sympathy towards them. This is important because Wes is also a black male and could have easily met a similar fate that Wes 2 did.

Quote 5: "I stared at the young man...His bright eyes and straight back demanded attention.The confidence in his stride was something that...I did not have yet"(p.170)
-Wes states this as he sees a young man in Africa who has just gone through a rights of passage. He has moved from childhood and is now considered a man. Even though he is young he has the maturity of a man. Wes now has an example of what a man does and is supposed to look like. This is important because he eventually needs to become a man. It is this example that is crucial to the development to young men.

Chapter 7: The Land That God Forgot

Life Choices

                 In the seventh chapter "The Land That God Forgot"  Wes Moore 1 and 2 have finally grown up. Even though they are still young they face adult issues and make decisions that will have large impacts on their lives. There is one common theme of life choices seen throughout this chapter.

Quote 1: "It was just that the tolerance of his own hypocrisy was wearing him down"(p.138)

-Wes 2 got involved in the drug game at a really young at age. As he grew into adulthood Wes 2 saw and finally understood all the destruction that drugs caused not only to himself but to his friends, family, and even neighborhood. Wes was finally fed up with being apart of this. This shows how intelligent Wes 2 is. He was able to recognize the wrong he was doing (an ability many don't posses) and make the conscious decision to change for the better. Wes 2 gave himself a second chance to live an honest life.

Quote 2: "I was told I was one of the youngest officers in the entire united states army" (p.134)
-Early on Wes experienced a positive life change. It was this positive influence and change that resulted in large opportunities as he grew into adult hood. He used his intelligence to get ahead and at the young age of 18 was becoming a regimental commander. This shows how beneficial changing your life can be even though it may be hard. The earlier you understand key life skills the easier it is to put them into action and become successful.

Quote 3: "I started to think seriously about how I could become the person I wanted to be"(p.132)
-Wes was becoming a very well-rounded young man and as he got older he realized he needed to make a plan for his life. He needed to ask himself key questions like where he wanted to go, and what type of person he wants to be. This shows his strive to not only do well but strive in everything he does. he made the conscious choice to not just go through life making decisions without thinking them through.

Quote 4: "He had changed. At least he wanted to believe that" (p.121)
-Dealing with the stress of life its challenges came with hard decisions. Wes 2 began the path to an honest, non-destructive life but would have to be strong enough to keep the promises he made to himself. He would have to resist doing the easy thing (selling drugs) and do whats right. Only a strong person can resist the temptation of going back to the drug game regardless of the responsibilities he has to his family.

Quote 5: "His problems.. had not disappeared--they'd simply returned to Baltimore...In his absence they compounded"(p.145)
-Wes knew that turning his life around would be a struggle but probably did not think it through. Wes most likely didn't realize that things would be hard at first but eventually result in less stress for him and his family. If he stayed away from drugs he rid his life of the common violence in his neiborhood and provide a more suitable life for his family.

short essay #2

                In the novel “The Other Wes Moore” the author also named Wes Moore describes the lives of two boys who despite their similarities take on two totally different life paths.  Well these boys grow and and even in their late teenage years begin to show clear cut differences in their lives. Wes who just like Wes 2 was originally facing problems with school and staying out of trouble is now excelling in military  high school while Wes 2 is a father, dropout and has faced jail time on numerous occasions. The reader can begin to make predictions and see how their life choices made as early as adolescents have a direct impact on their lives today. The title of Part 2: “Choices and Second Chances” directly applies to the growing divide between these two, and the authors purpose to show how a persons environment really determines how they grow as a person, and the type of life rules they follow.

                    Wes  just like Wes 2 really embraced the environment he was surrounded by. Like many other young men they were taught the rules of the streets. To never look people in the eye, never let someone disrespect you and most of all follow they rules or be punished. Joy (Wes's mother) understood that these rules would not help Wes to be successful, and made the very smart "choice" to give Wes a change in environment. This was Wes's second chance and even though he hated military school at first he quickly took advantage of his opportunities there and became the "youngest senior noncommissioned officer in the entire corps"in the short span of two years. Wes immediately noticed his different environment stating "It was a different psychological environment, where my normal expectations were inverted, where leadership was honored and class clowns were ostracized." This new environment was exactly what Wes and the many other young men his age (including Wes 2) needed to be successful. In comparison  to Wes, Wes 2 who  was recently releases from prison after only 6 months (very short for what he could have served)carried the rules of the streets with him and eventually dropped out of high school. Both Wes's got a second chance to get their lives together, but the two parallel biographies determined whether they took advantage or not. Wes 2 didn't have very high expectations for himself, excepted being arrested as routine and when he was angry reacted strongly and without thinking. Meanwhile Wes was finally beginning to understand that he had to live an honest life and think before he acts.

              In the end, the next three chapters show how “Choices and Second Chances” are only beneficial if a person understands how important they are. Many people need the help of a positive environment or people around them to make these decisions. This is shown through the differences between Wes and Wes 2. Both boys had potential to be great but will become very different people as a result of this difference.

Chapter 6: Hunted

Parallel Biographies/ Fate vs. Free will

                 In the sixth chapter "Hunted"  the lives of both Wes moore's which at first were very similar are starting to show clear differences. The two themes of parallel biographies, and fate vs. free will are seen throughout this chapter.

Quote 1: "Teachers already dealing with overcrowded classrooms didn't have the time to teach Wes the basics he had missed...and once his first child was born he just stopped going"(p.119)

-In comparison to Wes who was currently excelling in military school, things were rough for Wes 2. Being involved in drug activities and violent behavior lead to Wes 2 spending time in prison and missing school. Wes 2 chose to act this way but the extra burden of a child at such a young age was also harsh. Even before he was an full adult he was labeled as an outcast similar to the millions of men discriminated against because of time spent in jail. Wes will most likely find difficulties providing for his family and be tempted to participate in illegal activities once again.

Quote 2: "for many members it was the only support system they had. It was family" (p.111)
-Many people relate their family to being safe or secure.  But being safe and or secure has different meanings to different people. For Wes who had a positive environment and people around him, being safe meant free from conflict, violence or stress. But in the type of family that Wes 2 and many other young men had, family meant something totally different. It was a brotherhood but constantly included violence, fear from the police, and stress about following through on drug deals. This concept of "family" held by many ill advised young men makes having an actual family of their own a struggle.

Quote 3: "I felt like being at military school was keeping me in a bubble, ignorant of what was going on with my people on the outside"(p.118)
-Wes was experiencing things he never would have if he stayed in the bronx with his family. But this prestigious life came with a price. He was becoming out of touch with the real world where bad things happen. This ignorance may make the real world more devastating for Wes but in the long run he can take his experiences in military school and better his life.

Quote 4: "But I had to let this one go. I had to look at the bigger picture" (p.121)
-This is the exact type of advice that could have saved the life of Wes 2 and many other people just like him. Many are faced with fate of not being born in a place where this advice is known. Instead both Wes and Wes 2 were taught early on to immediately react instead of thinking. Wes was very lucky to have a mother who was determined to make sure Wes learned this key life lesson.

Quote 5: "Tonight , I ran through the same woods looking for safety, but in the other direction "(p.122)
-The Bronx society that Wes grew up in taught him that a place like military school was negative and offered no safety. But as Wes went through life he learned that it was a safe haven that taught him all the things he needed to know to be successful. Wes chose to embrace his experiences in military school for the better and let them lead him to a better life.

Wes Moore Characterization Sonnets

Wes Moore #1
Hand in hand go struggles in this life
a foundation of love is given to thee
though to achieve success one endures a fight
smart and worthy he ought to be
betwixt two realms be they harmful or not
from both worlds the best he desires
as the common place was his rank, carefully bought
this transaction it was soon expires
surrounded by defeat this often takes a tole
hence actions beforetime unheard of
the devotee to the wrongdoers he plays the role
neither receiving or taking notice warnings thereof
a lost shadow of humor and light brown
trudges amid a passage be it up or down?

Wes Moore #2
From ear to ear reigns a smile over thy head
both smile and eyes erywhile were in sync
narcotics and lies lay under his bed
an egad to behaviors as fast as a blink.
inaccurate basis on life and its promises
the loss of a proper epitome
no lack of intelligence though excepts these losses
disobeyed is advice consistently
coated in darkness becomes his rage
the eyes of fear stand witness
surrendered to an environmental cage
its requirements a fearless
a lost shadow of love and dark brown
trudges amid a path be it up or down?

chapter 5: Lost

Life choices/ Poverty

                 In the fifth chapter "Lost" Wes 1 and 2 get older and the decisions they make become more important. Both of there lives begin to change more drastically whether it be for the good or the bad. The two themes poverty1, and life  choices are seen throughout this chapter.

Quote 1: "I never wanted anything more in my life than to leave that school, and I was slowly coming to the realization that it was not going to happen. "(p.93)

-When Wes made the choice to accept that he was going to be in military school he allowed the process of becoming a better person and making better decisions to begin. His mother understood that this would be what he needed to turn his life around despite the struggles Wes might face.(life choices)

Quote 2: "I wouldn't ask if I didn't really need it" (p.95)
-Poverty once again became a deciding factor of whether or not a person could get the resources they needed. It is only the result of a determined person such as Wes's mother to succeed in properly providing for her children. (Poverty)

Quote 3: "In Baltimore in 1991, 11.7 percent of girls between the ages of fifteen and nineteen had given birth"(p.100)
-Wes 2 and his girlfriend met the very common fate of many teenagers of this generations. The struggle to make beneficial life choices was an issue across the board. This may also account for the many also convicted during this time period.(life choices)

Quote 4: "He had no idea what his role would be in this situation---He wasn't even sure he had a role." (p.101)
-Wes 2's father made bad life choices in terms of taking care of his son and in turn Wes 2 didn't even know where to start. Wes was bewildered by the situation and had to reflect on what he knew. This may cause history to repeat itself with Wes not being in his childs life. (Life choices)

Quote 5: "Wes could only see red. He was blind with rage."(p.104)
-once again similar to when he reacted without thinking as a child Wes was going down a path of violence. Only this time things were more serious. His actions would surely have consequences worse than childish rage. This blind reaction reaction will eventually catch up with him.

Chapter 4: Marking Territory

Crimes/ Single Mother

                 The fourth chapter "Marking Territory" marks the beginning of part two "Choices and Second Chances." In this chapter both Wes Moore's get into serious trouble but have very different reactions. The two themes crimes, and single mothers can be seen  throughout this chapter.

Quote 1: "the more he tried to be like his brother, the more his broth rejected him"(p.74)

-The serious crimes Wes 2 was committing (involving drugs) began to not only effect him  but his relationships with his family. Despite the attempts of his older brother to stop Wes 2 from making these bad choices history of drug dealers in the family began to repeat itself.(crimes)

Quote 2: "Wes is out here hustling! I told him to leave this alone, but he won't listen" (p.70)
-Because Mary was so focused on providing for her children she was almost oblivious to the life Wes 2 was beginning. Mary may have known deep down that that much money couldn't have come from DJ-ing but wanted ti believe it so bad that she did.(single mother)

Quote 3: "She hoped that Wes would be different "(p.71)
-Mary did everything she could to ensure her kids had a better life than she had but both of her sons ended up as drug dealers. This scared Mary and she would soon realize her need to take serious action about her sons behavior.

Quote 4: "Well, at least now you know how bad it feels and you will stay away from drinking." (p.61)
-Mary didn't properly discipline Wes even when she knew he had participated in Drug activity. Even though Wes 2 faced the punishment of a hangover she should have cut this off completely. If Mary did this it could have saved Wes 2 from ending up in jail.

Quote 5: "It felt like splashing in the shallow end of the criminal pool"(p.80)
-Wes understood that he was committing a crime but somehow felt as if it were a rights of passage of some sorts. This drive to impress friends or experience the "wild side" may get him into moor trouble later on in the book

short essay

          In the novel “The Other Wes Moore” the author also named Wes Moore describes the lives of two boys who despite their similarities take on two totally different life paths.  In the early lives of these two boys (both named Wes Moore) they experience life with no father, violence, drugs, and even trouble with the police. The title of Part 1: “Fathers And Angels” directly applies to these incidents, and the authors purpose to show how proper guidance early on can really determine the decision making skill of a person.

              Wes lost his father Westley to a deadly illness at a young age but Wes was forever influenced by his life. Wes never forgot lessons he learned from his father and throughout the chapters it was almost as if Westley was guiding Wes to make semi-good choices (compared to of Wes 2.) Westley was there to give Wes the foundation he needed to be successful in life and eventually became the “Angel” to watch over him. Opposite to Wes, Wes 2 never had a father or any good male to look up to. His older brother Tony, a drug dealer and according to Wes 2 a “certified gangsta” was who Wes 2 looked up to. The grades of Wes were “slipping” but Wes 2 lived was arrested, participated in drugs, had bad grades, and soon began the life of a drug dealer. Having either a “Father” or “Angel” was very crucial to the early life of these boys.

              In the end the first three chapters show how without “Fathers and Angels” as a young child it is very hard make good decisions. This is shown through the differences between Wes and Wes 2. Both boys had potential to be great but will become very different people as a result of this difference.

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