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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Chapter 3: Foreign Ground

Drugs/ Life choices

                 In the third chapter "Foreign Ground" the reader is introduced to the many bad habit Wes Moore 1 and 2 begin to acquire. The two themes drugs, and life  choices are seen throughout this chapter.

Quote 1: "Crack was... crazily accessible and insanely potent--and addictive...Everyone felt threatened"(p.51)

-The influence of drugs began to takeover Brooklyn and affect everyone who lived there. This extreme influence of drugs may tempt Wes to become involved in these drugs or be more aware to stay away.(drugs)

Quote 2: "I began to let my grades slip" (p.54)
-Wes was allowing the environment he lived in to affect how he performed in school. He was making excuses for himself that were not except able especially for how hard his mother was working.(Life choices)

Quote 3: "But Wes rationalized. I am not actually selling drugs"(p.58)
-Wes 2 had a good mother who taught him well but despite all the warnings Wes 2 received he made the very bad choice to get involved with drug activity. His attempts to rationalize what he knew was a bad decision may hurt him later in life. Wes will most-likely try to rationalize future bad decisions he may make.

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.

Quote 5: "The whole tableau--the ring, the headset--was the coolest thing Wes had ever seen"(p.57)
-This boy who was obviously involved with drugs was very appealing to Wes 2 and he was probably appealing to many other boys Wes's age as well. The coolness exerted by young men like this was a very bad influence on the youth at this time.