1. “Your father wasn’t there because he couldn’t be, my father wasn’t there because he chose not to be. We’re going to mourn their absence in different ways.”
The quote introduces the first main difference and similarity between the two both Wes Moores. The Wes Moore in prison is explaining that although they both have absent fathers, the circumstances in which they are absent are different. Therefore, the affect their absence has on their children is different. This helps develop the theme of absent fathers because it shows that both Wes Moores did not have fathers and there absence effected there growth differently.
2. "'Every day. All the time,' I replied softly. I was having trouble finding my voice. It always amazed me how I could love so deeply, so intensely, someone I barely knew."
This quote elaborates on the absence of the author's father. This quotes shows that the author has shows remorse for his father's absence. This shows that the author's view of his father is different that the other Wes Moore's. His remorse for his father's absence develops the theme of Absent Fathers because in the author's case, his father's absence can be a motivation or inspiration for the author's success. However, the absence for the other Wes Moore's father affected him negatively. He had a lack of discipline and structure therefore leading to his incarceration.
3.“'Hey, Main Man, do you mind if I come in?'” I’m told that he had many terms of endearment for me, but Main Man is the one I remember."
This quote relates to the theme Absent fathers in many ways. This quote is from before the author's father became absent and it shows how his father cared for the author and the fact the the author's father died of sickness is how he involuntarily became absent. This healthy relationship of father and son develops the theme of Absent Fathers because it shows how if the father left a good impression on his children he can become a role model for them even in his absence.
Theme: Single Mothers
1."The $6.50 an hour she was making at Bayview was enough to keep the balance of her tuition paid, the lights on, and the kids fed, as long as her Pell Grant was in place. But with that grant now eliminated, it wouldn’t be enough."
This part of the story touches on the hardship of single mothers. The other Wes Moore's mother was going to be able to go to college and be able to pay for everything regarding her family with financial help. Although without the financial help, her pursuit of education would have to stop. This helps develop the theme of single mothers. This quote touches on how hard it is for a mother to be able to move up in the world alone. This also creates an idea of an ongoing cycle of poverty. Without proper support, this single mother will not be able to keep her kids from getting into trouble because she has way too much on her plate. This exemplifies how the other Wes Moore became the criminal he is today
Theme: Poverty
1. "The next day she called Johns Hopkins and let them know she was dropping out. That part-time job at Bayview would become permanent."
This quote develops the theme of poverty because it shows how the lack of money can affect what options one can have to move up in the world. The other Wes Moore's mom was receiving an education which can help get a better paid job. Although without the money she would not be able to afford anything. This develops the theme of poverty because poverty prevents the success that people rightfully deserve. This mother was on the right track to be able to support her kids even better than she already was. Although her unfortunate lack of money prevented her from doing so. This lack of money also is a catalyst for robberies which turns people into criminals similar to how the other Wes Moore turned out.
