Final answer:
In the novel Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, Will and Shawn have different responses to violence and personal growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, Will and Shawn are two characters who play significant roles in the story. They are both connected by tragedy and are affected by the cycle of violence in their community. However, they differ in their responses to this violence and their personal growth throughout the book.
Will, the protagonist, is filled with grief and anger after his brother Shawn is murdered. He decides to seek revenge, carrying a gun and intending to kill the person responsible. Will's journey down the elevator forces him to confront his emotions and question the cycle of violence that led to his brother's death.
Shawn, on the other hand, is already dead when the story begins. He is only present through Will's memories and the impact he has left on the people around him. Through these memories, readers learn about Shawn's aspirations and the choices he made to distance himself from violence.
In summary, while both Will and Shawn are connected through their experience of tragedy and violence, they differ in their responses and personal growth throughout the novel.