Title Justification #2

Title Justification #2

The Other Wes Moore is the true story of two boys who shared the same name and hometown, but very different paths to opposite outcomes. The book is divided into three parts that tell the stories of how the Wes Moores's started out virtually the same but soon split into different paths. The second part, Choices and Second Chances focuses on the consequences of the decisions that each Wes made during their teen years in Maryland and Valley Forge, which dictates their outcomes and potentials in life. 

The title "Choices and Second Chances" emphasizes the importance of both fate and free will in the lives of the two Wes Moores. Throughout the three chapters, the Wes Moore's are beginning to look ahead to the future and so they are making "Choices." Also, because the boys are still in their young years, mentors like mothers and drill sergeants will give the Moores "Second Choices," to try to give the boys the invisible push needed to escape their current lifestyle. More figuratively, the title "Choices and Second Chances," is used to symbolize the turning point the boys are at in their lives where the two boys start to make very different decisions. The first Wes is making great decisions because of the effect military school has had on him. His mother recalled that, "...the way I had changed since leaving for military school. My back stood straight, and my sentences now ended with 'sir' or 'ma’am.' My military garrison cap was intentionally a size too big, forcing me to keep my head up, walking taller with every step." This is giving Wes the potential to be something better than your average high school dropout drug dealer but something that his Mother would be proud of because of his newly gained discipline and respect. The Other Wes Moore on the other hand is making bad decisions but this is true because this crime-filled lifestyle is all that he has even known so he feels as if it is normal. He eventually sells drugs to an undercover policeman because of his urge to feel the rush. "But for some reason, he couldn’t let the sale go." This quote is important because Wes knew that that was an undercover policeman but disregarded it to feed his addiction.  

The second section of "The Other Wes Moore" was named "Choices and Second Chances" to explain the relation between fate and life decisions in deciding the futures of the two Wes Moores. The title is appropriate with the author's purpose because it demonstrates the consequences of certain actions while also motivating kids to stay on the right track to eventually leaving their current lifestyle.