Violence In Long Way Down By Jason Reynolds

Violence is one of the most common causes of death, taking the lives of 4.4 million individuals per year in the US, with an estimated value of forty thousand caused by gun violence. Many innocent lives are taken by these horrible acts, especially in marginalized communities. In the novel “Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds, the author explores the theme of the ineffectiveness of violence through the protagonist, Will Hollowman, a young 15-year-old teenager with a murdered older brother, Shawn Hollowman, who was killed by gunshots at 19 years old. He decides to embark on a path down the elevator to seek revenge, and throughout his minute long journey, he encounters many characters who were related to him, or Shawn, and were affected by violence. As he descends each floor, he discovers more details and information, learning about his and Shawn’s life. Each character contributes to his perspective, giving him insight and revealing the past. He hopes to reach the lobby

The author did not give any information about his fate, leaving the interpretation to the reader. Throughout the story, the author portrays violence as purposeless by using examples of retaliation, revenge cycles, destructive violence, and pain.

In this novel, the author highlights destructive revenge cycles, and the death of innocent people caused by endless retaliation. He addresses the underlying causes of further harm and wrongdoing within each character that Will encounters on the elevator. On the 4th floor, Will meets his father, Mikey Hollowman. Will states he does not remember his father, although he recognized him entering the elevator. He believes that “a broken heart killed (his) dad” (202). He “always figured his heart was for real broken.” (202).” Shawn always said/ (their) dad was killed/ for killing the man/ who killed (their) uncle.” (203). Mikey’s emotions and sorrow caused him to seek revenge for his