Consider the below passage and answer the questions.

Question

Summary of "A Thief Dines Out, Hoping Later to Eat In" Written By Rick Bragg

In Rick Bragg's 1994 New York Times article, "A Thief Dines Out, Hoping Later to Eat In," the story of Gangaram Mahes offers a poignant glimpse into systemic societal failures. Homeless and struggling for stability, Mahes deliberately commits petty thefts—luxurious meals at New York City restaurants—not for material gain, but to secure the predictability and basic comforts of life in jail. His actions, described as a pattern of calculated "serial dining," have led to over 30 arrests and thousands of taxpayer dollars spent to incarcerate him at Rikers Island, a system he prefers over homelessness.

Mahes, who migrated from Guyana in pursuit of the American Dream, found only poverty, addiction, and disillusionment. He initially sought structure in the military but ultimately ended up on the streets. His criminal method—a stark contrast to more violent offenses—is both clever and tragic: he enjoys a fine meal, awaits the bill, and calmly reveals his inability to pay, knowing arrest is inevitable. His preference for incarceration stems from the harsh realities of life outside: hunger, instability, and demeaning shelter conditions.

The article highlights contrasting perspectives on his actions. Prosecutors view Mahes as a habitual offender deserving punishment, while his Legal Aid lawyers argue that jailing him perpetuates a costly and futile cycle. Lawyers Christina Swarns and Louis Fasulo advocate for alternative solutions, such as counseling or halfway houses, but these proposals often face resistance. Mahes, for his part, seems resigned to his fate, treating jail not as punishment but as sanctuary.

Through Mahes' story, Bragg critiques the inefficiency and inhumanity of a system that warehouses the poor in jails rather than addressing underlying issues like homelessness, poverty, and mental health. Mahes' longing for prison reflects a broader societal failure to provide meaningful support for society's most vulnerable members.

Question 1
How well does Mahes's story show the more significant problems in society such as homelessness and incarceration? Explain your answer in 2-5 sentences. *Vocabulary: incarceration means to be in prison *Tip that might help you think through this question: This is not just an article about a man who steals expensive meals from fancy restaurants. Try to put yourself in his situation. (2 points)
0 / 10000 Word Limit
Question 2
How does the author's portrayal of the criminal justice system reveal its limitations in addressing social issues such as homelessness? (1 point)
Responses

Providing comprehensive rehabilitation programs
Providing comprehensive rehabilitation programs

Implementing strict sentencing guidelines
Implementing strict sentencing guidelines

Warehousing poor individuals in jail instead of addressing root causes
Warehousing poor individuals in jail instead of addressing root causes

Expanding prison infrastructure
Expanding prison infrastructure
Question 3
What role do the Legal Aid lawyers' arguments play in developing the article's central message?
(1 point)
Responses

Highlighting alternative solutions to incarceration such as a halfway house
Highlighting alternative solutions to incarceration such as a halfway house

Promoting stricter legal penalties for repeat offenders
Promoting stricter legal penalties for repeat offenders

Defending Mahes's criminal actions because he is innocent
Defending Mahes's criminal actions because he is innocent

Justifying current judicial practices
Justifying current judicial practices
Question 4
Based on the text, what is Mahes's primary motivation for committing his deliberate thefts? (1 point)
Responses

Challenging the restaurant industry's policies
Challenging the restaurant industry's policies

Securing predictable shelter and basic life necessities
Securing predictable shelter and basic life necessities

Proving personal resilience through crime
Proving personal resilience through crime

Seeking financial gain through criminal activity
Seeking financial gain through criminal activity
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Answer 1

Question 1
Mahes's story illustrates significant societal problems such as homelessness and the way the criminal justice system fails to address them. It highlights how systemic issues leave individuals like Mahes with limited options, resorting to theft as a means of finding stability and comfort. Instead of receiving the support needed to escape poverty, Mahes finds that prison provides a more predictable and safer environment than the streets, revealing a shocking commentary on society's failure to adequately support its most vulnerable members.

Question 2
Warehousing poor individuals in jail instead of addressing root causes.

Question 3
Highlighting alternative solutions to incarceration such as a halfway house.

Question 4
Securing predictable shelter and basic life necessities.