Summary Of Homeless By Anna Quindlen

In this valuable essay, “Homeless” Anna Quindlen discusses what it means to be homeless. She starts off with the story of Ann, a homeless woman, who carries pictures of her previous home. Quindlen uses this to propose the concept that a home is a not just a physical structure but it’s where the heart is. That it’s a place of belonging, stability, and contentment. She argues this by explaining the deep love she feels for her own house despite its physical shortcomings. Her house provides her with a sense of comfort and stability and she puts forth that to truly be homeless those feelings must be absent. Her essay then proceeds to criticize that people often take their homes for granted and that houses have become nothing but real estate. That today we view homes as temporary and as property while they should be viewed as an ideology that you share with family. She addresses that the homeless dislike shelters because they fail to provide a sense of

I believe that home is more than shelter, that it’s an idea. Some people with houses probably don’t feel like they have a home or are at least discontent with their surroundings. Conversely, I’m sure some homeless people are pleased with their life and that they can take pride in their situation. In my opinion, I think the concept of being homeless is based on perception and that it goes far beyond the physical. Regarding Quindlen’s remarks that it’s unfortunate that houses have become real estate and temporary, I disagree. Yes, it’s true that society is fast paced and that few people stay where they’re born but I don’t find this to be a problem. Since home is where the heart is then as long as your house is “a place of certainty, stability, predictability, and privacy” (Quindlen 217), then it is a home. Regardless of how long you live in a home or how often you move I believe if you feel delight in your house then it is a