The "Kool-Aid Wino" shows a young boy  who through the process of making Kool-Aid finds enjoyment in his unfortunate life. This short story by Richard Brautigan shows the circumstances in which he lives and how he tries to make the best out of a troublesome situation.

   The beginning of the story shows the circumstances under which this boy lives. He has lived his childhood physically handicapped. He cannot help with the work to be done in his family's field which would earn them income. His family being as poor as they are, they cannot afford to pay for an operation that would ease his sickness and even save his life.

   The young boy in this story finds a way in which he can bring much joy and accomplishment to his life The making of Kool-Aid became like a ceremony to him. This is an activity that he can take much pride in doing. In this story his friend supplies him the nickel which is used to buy a package of Kool-Aid. Some people could question why he does not help his family out by giving them his nickel and would believe this boy to be selfish. I believe that there is nothing wrong with how he spends it. His friend --for whatever reason -- gives him this nickel for the intention of spending it on the Kool-Aid. I do not believe his friend would have given him this money only to have him turn it over to his family. This boy takes much care in making his Kool-Aid. I think a very positive idea is how this boy takes a very simple situation and finds beauty in it. In the middle of making his Kool-Aid, his mom comes out with a angry voice and asks when he will do the dishes. He replies by saying, "soon." This could seem to some that he will never do the dishes and that again he is selfish. He is putting his own pleasure before doing a task that would help his family out. I believe putting the dishes off until a later time is good. The story never states that he does not do the dishes, only that he delays doing them for the time he is enjoying the making of the Kool-Aid. To interrupt this would ruin the enjoyment that he has made for himself, and that he deserves.

   The boy creates a reality which he enjoys through making the Kool-Aid. I believe it is the process which he enjoys, not the actually drink. He dilutes that Kool-Aid to the point where it is only colored water and does not add sugar. This could not possibly taste good, and shows that the idea of making it is much more important to him. It is said, 'He created his own Kool-Aid reality and was able to illuminate himself by it." This shows the importance of this act. Whatever means he finds to bring light into his world should be admired.

   This process which brightens his day, gives him the enjoyment to continue living. Since he is faced with the possibility of dying, this becomes extremely important. His character in this story shows the importance the imagination has on life. It has the ability to make your own happiness out of unfortunate situations.