Anh Nguyen ELL 2 Literacy Brothers in Arms Essay Gang Violence May Ruins One’s Life Gang violence is one of the most pressing issues in our communities nowadays. When anyone of us hear the phrase “ gang violence”, we just assume that it is a bad thing, it is the reason of social disorder. However, do we really understand about gang violence? In other words, do we truly know how big is its severity? By reading “ Brothers in Arms”, one of the Bluford series books of the authors Paul Langan and Ben Alirez that talks about gang violence, we can somehow dig deeper into gang violence issues. “Brothers in Arms” tells us a story about the people who is involved with gang violence, another side of gang violence that we hardly ever think about. Its …show more content…
The authors use characterization to enhance the theme how gang violence changes the attitudes and behavior of particular individuals. That theme is described vividly through Martin Lunna: the protagonist of “Brothers in Arms.” On page 107, Martin compares his dream as a terrible nightmare that unable to forget “It’s like a picture frozen permanently in my brain. Whenever I think of it, I get the chills.” The death of Huero- Martin’s little brother- which is the consequence of gang violence always haunts Martin even in his dream. Martin’s confession about his dream shows how gang violence switch the attitudes of particular individuals. Without Huero’s death, Martin still might not have a happy life if compares with others but at least Martin would still lives his carefree life along with his little brother, his homeboys, and his mom. Gang violence, …show more content…
An example that can be seen on page 48, by using similes, Martin shows his evaluation to Clarance, one of Steve’s toadies, “He seemed to follow Steve like a dog looking for scraps.” This quote shows how gang violence shift individual’s attitudes. Martin has lost his interested in school when he sees everybody around Martin scared Steve: who is the presence of gang violence. No one has enough intrepid to against Steve’s gang, and they all adulate Steve in order not to get in troubles. School is so boring to Martin. Another example that the authors use figurative language to enhance the theme is on page 145, Martin uses metaphor to describe his feeling when he hears Frankie talks about the killer, “Frankie’s response set my mind spinning.” At this moment, Martin really gets a mess in his head by the linkage between Huero’s death and Frankies. This cite proves how gang violence changes the attitudes and behaviors of particular individuals. Martin is depressed by the truth of Huero’s death is gradually revealed. Martin is doubting about the friendship between he and Frankies. Martin had lost. Once again by using figurative, the authors succeed in developing the theme how gang violence affects individual’s