Chapter 8

The theme of chapter eight understanding the future. Here are five quotes that support that theme:

"...[H]e'd known his fate would be the same. He would spend the rest of his life in prison." (Moore 156)

"'You committed an act like something out of the Wild West, and you didn't even realize how outrageous it was,' the judge said. 'That makes you a very dangerous person.'" (Moore 157)

"Now Wes's mind wandered to the long term for the first time. Finally, he could see his future." (Moore 157)

"I... realized that... this was an exclusive group that held a significant amount of influence and power. (Moore 162)

"His tribe's influence in making him a man was obvious and indelible. At that moment, I realized the journey I took was never mine alone either." (Moore 171)

Analysis: As the two boys grow up throughout the book, the reader is well aware of their respective futures. However, the Wes Moore's have no idea where they are going until this chapter. Chapter eight most emphasizes the differences between the two Wes Moore's. In this chapter, the other Wes Moore comes to the realization that he will spend the rest of his life in prison (first three quotes). He will never be a free man, and while this must be a crushing feeling, he understands what's ahead for the first time. The author Wes Moore, however, fully appreciates having gotten to where he is in his life in this chapter, and looks ahead for the first time (last two quotes): he sees a bright future ahead. He isn't wrong.