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John Hopkins University
JHU is a institute located in Baltimore symbolizing the chance to succeed and the reality of segregation, inequality, and injustice. Wes #1's mother is the first among her family to attend college, she must work part-time to provide for her family, while still being a student. Mary looses her Pell grant and is forced to drop out do to finances. This shows us that it is very difficult to access a higher level of education when you come from a lower background. -
The Headset
Wes runs into a boy with a cool headset, Wes asks where he can get a headset like that and found out that he could be making money by using the headset to be on "cop lookout" and make money through the drug lords. This headset is Wes's gateway opening into the drug and criminal world. -
Wes Moore
The name Wes Moore is a name of wisdom, struggle, and poverty. Two men face many things throughout their lifetime but their name stands strong. The man on the left is the author, West Moore. The man on the right is the man the other half of the book is about, also Wes Moore -
Father's
Wes #1 father is an alcoholic jerk whom treats him and his family with great disrespect. He has went as far as hitting Mary, Wes's mother.
Wes #2's father past away when he was only 3 years old from a rare virus. Wes is now the "man of the house" and feels obligated to take care of his mother and two sisters. -
New York Bronx
NY Bronx is symbolized as an escape for Mary, Wes #1's mother. When she packs up their home in Maryland due to financial issues to live with her parents and work full time in the Bronx. Mary expects a good outcome for moving er children to be revised where she once was, but is surprised when the Bronx has changed into a horrific city of violence and crime. -
The Murphy Home Projects
Murphy homes symbolize crime, violence, and negativity. The buildings are filthy, and are overrun by violent drug crimes. Wes #2's brother, Tony, lives most of his life in these homes with his father. Tony's choice to live here proves that he as been in the drug game since a very young age. Not only are drugs a way of, making money, but they're also a way of living that is difficult to get out of. -
Mothers
Mothers are a symbol of strength, positivity, and discipline. Wes almost hits his mother in chapter 5 but says, " She was my everything, the person I loved and respected most in my world. I had no idea what to do. Neither did my mother, it seemed. Her almond- shaped eyes were overflowing with anger, disappointment, and confusion, and maybe even a little fear. I would never hit my mother." (Moore 88) It is shown he could never hurt his mother because she is what keeps him a float. -
Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol are a symbolism of many things in this book like poverty, failure, and destruction. Some examples of drugs and alcohol in the book are; the mother of Wes #2's children became an addict after having his to children. This is important because, it mirrors the reality in many neighborhoods like the Bronx, Baltimore, and many other neighborhoods in the United States. -
Prision
Each of the three parts of the book begin with the Wes's conversating during visitation hours at Jessup Correctional Facility, where Wes #2 is incarcerated for shooting and killing an officer. The story is based around scenes of visitation. Prison is a symbol to the story because, Wes is able to see his future now in prison. This is explained because, many poor young men like Wes are destined to end up incarcerated due to lack of resources, support, and opportunities. -
Wes
