1. PLOT SUMMARY:
"Long Way Down" is a free verse novel following the journey of fifteen-year-old Will, whose older brother Shawn is gunned down in front of him. Will decides to exact his revenge, guided by the "rules" from his rough neighborhood: no crying, no snitching, and get revenge. He steals Shawn's gun and makes his way to a nearby apartment building with the intention of killing the person he believes to be Shawn's murderer. As he rides the elevator down, however, it stops at each floor and a ghost from Will's past enters, each sharing a different perspective on the cycle of violence. This rattles Will and makes him question his decision.
2. CHARACTERIZATION PRACTICE:
Will is a fifteen-year-old Black boy, hardened by the street's cruel lessons. He is wounded by his brother's murder, igniting a desire for revenge in him, but his journey in the elevator serves as a journey of introspection, challenging his ideas on vengeance and violence.
Shawn, though dead, is a vital character. He was a charismatic young man who loved his brother, but his involvement in the violent world of their block led to his demise. His image is challenged through various narratives shared by the visiting ghosts.
The visiting ghosts, from Buck to Frick, are also essential to the story, representing individuals from Will's past who've fallen victim to the same cycle of violence. All of them present their personal tragedies and perspectives about the endless cycle of violence, influencing Will.
3. KEY MOMENT QUOTE:
"You coming?"
I pushed
a button
and a light
lit up, and
I thought about
how we all
got a different
light, and it's
not until
we're gone
that people
see it."
-This quote highlights Will's introspection about how people are perceived after their death. It's a thought-provoking realization, significant to his ongoing transformation.
4. Idea for a DRAWING:
An illustration of the elevator with its buttons could serve as a symbolic representation of the story. Each button can be marked with the names of the ghosts that Will encounters during his ride. The light of buttons can be signified in different colors, embodying the individual 'lights' of each character, as mentioned in the key moment quote. Inside the elevator stands a solemn Will, clutching the gun, ridden with doubt and contemplation.
The drawing can be dark, evoking the grim atmosphere of the book. Will's figure could be shadowy, symbolizing his internal struggle.
From the book long way down by Jason reynolds
Pick thru pg. 71.146
1. PLOT SUMMARY
2. CHARACTERIZATION PRACTICE
3. KEY MOMENT QUOTE
4. Idea to DRAWING
1 answer