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Jagdeep Singh
ENGL 85
Analytical Essay-Draft 1
Nicole Brown
Sep 29, 2012
Difference and Similarities between two Wes Mores

The Other Wes Moore is the story of two kids with the same name, living in the same
city Baltimore and same family background such as both are fatherless black Americans.
One became Rhodes Scholar, army officer, and business leader. On the other hand the other
Wes is serving a life sentence in prison for murdering police officer. The main reason for
their difference lives is education. This is the story of two boys in the journey of a
generation.
The same name could have so many similarities but live such different lives
fascinated Moore. The both Wes had same family background such as both are fatherless
black Americans. Their early childhood was very filthy and miserable. They both fight with
police in early childhood. Once a cop catches Wes writing graffiti on walls and said to him,
You kids are way too young to be in this situation. But you know what. I see kids like you
here every day. If you dont get smart, I am certain I will see you again. Thats the sad part
(83). Wes changed his life when a police officer let him to go. However, other Wes does not
learn any lesson from his mistakes.
Other Wes didnt escape the area and background in which he grows up. He does not
attend school to avoid a life of crime however the Wes attend school and college and he

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changed his life. Moreover, both Wes had same back ground such as wandering in streets
and clash with police.
Wes is changed his life due to education because his mother is educated and she
works in medical technology .She knows the value of education and she send Wes into
private school for good education. My mother first heard about Riverside country School
when she was a girl growing up in the Bronx. It was the sort of school you might find in
storybook, a fantasy for public school (48). Other Wes lives got worsen life experiences
due to lack of education because his mother lacks in education due to financial problems.
Moreover, she does not convince other Wes to go school and he got trapped in drug traffic
and results to become a criminal.
Wes is now a respected scholar and businessman. However, other Wes is currently
serving a life sentence for killing a police officer, and he will spend the rest of his life at the
Jessup Correctional Institution in Maryland. Because he did a dangerous crime and judge
said about him, You committed an act like something out of the Wild West, and you didnt
even realize how outrageous it was. That makes you a very dangerous person (157).

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Source Citation:-

Moore, Wes. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates. Spiegel & Grau Trade
Paperbacks. New York. (2011). Print.

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