Final answer:
The theme of choices plays a significant role in "The Other Wes Moore" and is seen in the different paths taken by the two characters. The theme is present from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel, highlighting the power of individual agency and the consequences of choices. Examples and quotations from the novel support this analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theme that I will focus on from "The Other Wes Moore" is the power of choices. Throughout the novel, the author explores how the choices made by both Wes Moores shape their lives and set them on different paths.
Presence at the beginning:
At the beginning of the story, the theme of choices is introduced when the author discusses the different circumstances and choices that led the two Wes Moores to their respective futures. One example of this is when the author explains how his mother made the choice to enroll him in a military school, which had a profound impact on his life and set him on a successful trajectory.
Middle of the story:
In the middle of the story, the theme of choices is further developed through the experiences of both Wes Moores. For example, one Wes Moore becomes involved in drug dealing and eventually ends up in prison, while the other Wes Moore chooses to pursue an education and serve in the military. These choices have significant consequences for their lives and highlight the power of individual agency.
Presence at the end:
By the end of the story, the theme of choices is reinforced as both Wes Moores reflect on the impact of their own choices. One Wes Moore expresses regret for the choices he made that led to a life of crime, while the other Wes Moore acknowledges the importance of his choices in shaping his future. This demonstrates the transformative power of making positive choices.
Overall, the theme of choices is present throughout the novel and is depicted through the different paths taken by the two Wes Moores. It emphasizes the role of individual decisions in determining one's future. As the author reflects, "The choices we make about the lives we live determine the kinds of legacies we leave."