1984 1st Socratic Seminar Final Reflection

            The seminar greatly deepened my understanding of 1984 as a whole, as I was able to see other people’s view of the dystopian society. I realized more in depth how the propaganda of the totalitarian government dictates the thoughts of the people and directly controls their actions. When someone mentioned the woman Winston works with who claims that Big Brother is her savior, I thought she was saying so to avoid suspicion from the thought police. The discussion got me thinking and I realized that she actually believed this man was a god due to propaganda.

            I most agreed with the statement that this dystopia was a possibility if World War II had ended differently. However, I disagreed with the statement that our current desensitization toward violence could eventually lead us to this. If I could have properly responded to this, I would have said that basic human instinct and emotion will prevent us from the level of desensitization outlined in 1984. A fully dystopian society would be necessary to create such an apathy towards violence, and as the world moves towards democracy, this scenario seems more and more unlikely.

            The seminar flowed very smoothly, and I think it was evident that almost everyone read the assigned reading. Multiple arguments developed, and both sides could support their claims with textual evidence.

            However, the biggest problem to me was my personal contribution. While I was operating on a half hour of sleep, my responses were weak, unsupported, and I only utilized logical appeals throughout the seminar. I plan on focusing on textual evidence to support claims for all three rhetorical appeals for next seminar.

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.

"Choices and Second Chances" Title Justification Essay

Chapter Six

Chapter 5

The theme of chapter five is making choices. Here are five quotes that support this theme:

"I knew my mother was considering sending me away, but I never thought she'd actually do it. The final straw... [was when Riverdale placed] me on academic and disciplinary probation." (Moore 87)

This quote shows what led up to an important decision being made by Wes' mother. It's hard for a mother to send her child away for any reason, but in the end sending Wes to military school ended up being the right decision, as it set him on the right track.

"I began to lightly punch her in the arm," (Moore 87)

This quote shows that in the mindset Wes was in before military school, the only thing he could do for entertainment was hit people. A result of years of questionable decisions, it ended up landing him in military school.

"The directions he had given me were fake." (Moore 93)

This quote shows Wes' decision to blindly follow everyone and believe everyone and what they say. This shows his lack of initiative to think for himself, as he had begun to give up upon arriving at Valley Forge.

"Within two months of their meeting, Alicia told Wes that her period was late." (Moore 99)

This is a result of an in-the-moment decision that Wes made. Looking bad, he messed up. He's far too young and irresponsible to take care of a child, but he must do to a bad decision.

"Wes and his friend traded shots and finally heard Ray scream as he fell behind a black Toyota just fifty feet from his house." (Moore 105)

This terrible decision Wes made was driven entirely by anger. Again, looking back, he wishes he could take it back, but in-the-moment decisions are hard to make because often the right one goes against your instincts.

Characterization Sonnets

The Author, Wes Moore

When this sonnet shall be complete
It shall characterize the author, Wes.
He is detailed, this'll be no small feat
But to correctly portray him I'll try my best.
A funny kid, be too lazy he could,
Was torn between two worlds
Too poor for some and too rich for the hood
But Kid Kupid did get the girls.
He allowed his problems to get to him
And continued to spiral down
When his mother decides his future looked dim,
To Valley Forge he was sent, out of town.
With time, what he faced looked no longer dark
His old wound had been healed, and left not a mark.

The Other Wes Moore

When to him I shall refer
Let me call him the other Wes Moore.
For Wes to study his brother preferred
Despite himself dealing through Baltimore.
"Do as I say and not as I do!"
Was his brother's advice to Wes;
But dealing drugs became Wes' game too
For to be like his brother he tried his best.
He loved his mother and strove not to deceive
But the money he couldn't explain
So he told her a lie that she believed
Until she found his stash of cocaine.
Wes, just a child and good at heart
But his wrongdoings tore his family apart.

Chapter 4

The theme of chapter four involves crime and punishment. Here are five quotes that support this theme:

"'Wes is out here hustling! I told him to leave this alone, but he won't listen!'" (Moore 70)

This is the first example of the other Wes' involvement in major crime. He is following in his brother's influence and selling drugs.

"She took the boxes into the bathroom, lifted their tops, and emptied the contents into the toilet." (Moore 73)

This is Wes' punishment for selling drugs: his mother makes them disappear, sending Wes into a rage.

"'That was over four thousand dollars in drugs! I have to pay someone back for that!'" (Moore 74)

This quote from Wes shows why he is so angry. By getting himself into such a dark business, he has the opportunity for big money, but can be put into very tight situations if mistakes are made. Owing someone four grand, especially in drug money, isn't good news.

"Nobody could ever deny I was there. Not even me as a police cruiser rolled up around the corner." (Moore 81)

Switching to the author Wes Moore. Less serious crime (graffiti), but crime nonetheless.

"'I hope you really listened to what I told you,' he whispered in my ear, opening up the other cuff to let both of my hands free." (Moore 84)

In his case, the cops let him go. This was especially rare because of his race since it was the 1980s. Another reason the author progressed: second chances. On the other hand, the other Wes Moore was forced deeper into the drug game to make up the four grand.