Other Wes Moore Theme Tracking: Chapter 6

1. Small decisions can dramatically change the course of ones life
"Wes found another option: he decided to make himself scarce"
The one decision to "make himself scarce" might seem small and insignificant but later it can lead to a change in ones course in life. Therefore the quote develops the theme because it gives an example of how a small decision can change ones fate. If Wes decided to not be involved in drugs anymore he probably would not have been in prison as he is today.

"Most of all, Woody thought about Wes, who had stopped going to school two years earlier"

During this part of the story, the quote demonstrates how different two lives can be based on decisions. Woody and Wes both started out in school and had similar living situations. Although Wes's decision to drop out eventually brought him to prison while Woody was able to graduate high school. At first the decision to drop out of high school might seem small but the change it can bring is evident in Woody's and Wes's life. Therefore this quote is able to develop the theme that small decisions can dramatically change the course of ones life. 

"Three years ago I’d been one of the insubordinate kids first entering the gates of Valley Forge. In an ironic turn, I was now one of the ones in charge of them"
The quote shows how Wes has developed and changed for the better. Making the decision to stay at Valley Forge was able to reshape his path and change his course in life. Therefore the author is able to develop the theme of the consequences of small decisions by showing the path Wes Moore was able to take. 

2. The drug game can appeal to people in poor socio-economic situations

"Wes’s green jumpsuit hung over a glossy green T-shirt. His Gianni Brunelli shoes matched his outfit. Wes stayed fresh"

This is yet another way in which the theme regarding the appeal of the drug game is developed. It shows that drug dealers get nice clothes and 'stay fresh'. This shows that people without a lot of money can benefit drastically. This demonstrates another way that people would be inclined to become involved in drugs.

3. Fate does not lie entirely in one person's hands

"Justin was now spending his mornings with her at the hospital, his afternoons at school, then running to basketball practice and back to the hospital. His grades fell dramatically as the burden began to wear him down."
Justin in the beginning of the book was a good student and had his priorities straight. If his circumstances were constant he probably would have a stable fate that would be unchanging. However his extracurriculars and life at home are now bringing him down and although it was not his decision that made his grades go down, his other priorities are now conflicting with his academic success. In this sense the author is able to show how someone's fate can change due to things they cannot control.