Because the author’s long-term thinking and determination helped him conquer the situational challenges he faced, unlike the other Wes Moore whose shortsightedness became his downfall, the purpose of the memoir is to persuade readers to work hard and overcome their obstacles. The other Wes Moore’s shortsightedness, especially regarding money, is what eventually led to his arrest and the end of his free life. One issue that contributed to Wes’s shortsightedness is that he was easily impressionable. Upon seeing another boy on the street, he was captivated by the “headset… [and] gold ring with a small diamond cut into the middle” (57) the boy proudly wore. After hearing that wearing the headset and reporting police would earn him money, Wes accepted the first offer he received from the boys without considering the numerous potential consequences. Furthermore, Wes proved later in his life that a quick pay day was worth risking jail time when he did not listen to his instincts about a undercover police officer trying to purchase drugs. These decisions led to the “fateful day” (xiv) where police officer Prothero was killed, consequently sealing Wes’s fate. In essence, Wes’s inability to think long term led to his …show more content…
The author highlighted the early similarities in the lives himself and the other Wes Moore to make it clear that, when their paths diverged, it was largely due to choices. Additionally, to ensure readers learned from the mistakes they made, Moore emphasized the consequences each man faced. Finally, the epilogue laid out the benefits of overcoming obstacles versus succumbing to the environment you grew up. In conclusion, the decisions the author made in terms of the plot helped him successfully communicate his purpose that working hard to overcome obstacles is