Smith English 4250 discussion
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Bailey
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Jun 08, 2013 08:52AM
Would Benson have had a better life if he had not accepted the scholarship and gone to Maxfield Academy?
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I don't know if "better" would really be the word to use here. It most certainly would be different. It sounded like he didn't really like any of his foster families and since he's already had a bunch, the chances of finding a good one seem small but with that being said he admits to being happy in his current situation. He actually has some friends now and a goal to work towards. It seemed like before hand he was a loner without any direction or purpose.
The short and quick of it is that yes, Benson would have had a better life without the academy. However, I do have to agree with Todd that Benson has not had a good go with the foster care system. I believe that that, along with the descriptions of the other students' prior lives, becomes a scathing critique of the foster system and our society's inability to show compassion to those in need. Benson's foster parents used him for financial gain...and isn't that the "American Dream?"...to make something from nothing.
I think that is an interesting point of view from both of you. However, for argument's sake I'm going to say that he was better off for having attended the academy. It gave him a purpose, and he made a friend. He also discovered who he was and what he stood for. I doubt he would've ever had the chance to be a leader in the foster homes, nor would he have the chance to escape and become what he wanted to become.
He's seventeen already, which means he's close to being an adult and being able to go and do what he wants to do wherever he wants to do it. The fact that he signed up for Maxfield shows that he is interested in having a better future. From what he talks about, it doesn't seem like he's got issues with drugs or violent behavior, either. So, one may be able to assume that he'll be looking to better his situation once he turns 18.18 is his escape.
I think no. After finishing the book I feel like he is on the track for greatness. The story taught him how to be a leader and hard work. He is going to uncover something awesome! If he would have stayed he would have had a mediocre boring life.
