Final answer:
In 'Long Way Down,' characters demonstrate the cycle of violence and generational trauma, cautioning Will against retaliation to prevent perpetuating these cycles. Economic and neighborhood factors play a role in the violence, showcasing the need for intervention and breaking the cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Long Way Down, characters such as Shawn, Buck, Dani, Uncle Mark, and Mikey embody the cycle of violence and generational trauma prevalent in 'the streets.' Each character experienced or contributed to this cycle and utimately faced dire consequences because of it. The warnings and attempts to stop Will from seeking retribution after his brother's death serve as a stark illustration of the consequences that come with perpetuating the cycle of violence.
They serve as living (or deceased) examples of how choices driven by pain and retaliation can lead to further loss and suffering, emphatically delivering the message that breaking this cycle is vital to prevent further tragedy and trauma. The characters' interactions and the unfolding narrative convey a broader conversation on themes such as the implications of systemic poverty, the roles of economic and neigborhood influences in perpetuating cycles of violence, as described by Benson and Greer, and the need for alternative coping mechanisms and interventions in communities affected by such dynamics.