Rachel's Literacy Blog

                    The theme most prevalent in these chapters is one of hope and expectation along with the nature vs. nurture argument.  These chapters start to depict the stark contrast between the two Wes Moore's lives especially in what their environmental influences pushed them towards. A lot of influence comes from their roots and support systems they have in their cultivation.  This was especially shown with the guidance given to both of the boys during their adolescence.  Even though they grew up in similar neighborhoods, their lives from the beginning started to show distinctions starting off with their father figures.  While it was a common aspect for both boys not having their father figures, one Wes Moore’s father died being remembered as a good and gentle man while the other Wes Moore’s father simply left him with a bad example and neglect.  As the other Wes Moore stated in the beginning of the passage that their fathers were gone for different reasons, it has made a

     The theme that stood out to me in these beginning chapters is one of perseverance through trial and tribulations.  This may seem interesting to point out when it is simply the beginning of the story, but the lives of those who came before the two Wes' were changed by the environment around them and pushed through them.  It gave them lessons and feelings that may be tough to deal with where healing or learning is not a linear state, but the intent to create change is still there.  This book shows the raw and real experiences of these two people and those involved in their lives. The first instance of perseverance is when we already know how the outcome of the two Wes' diverging their same path at some point, and they were able to tell their story through this book.  It is important to point out how Wes stated in the introduction, "It is my sincere hope that this book does not come across as self-congratulatory or self-exculpatory", because it depicts mistakes that