| The Kool-Aid
Wino An Essay by Dawn Baker "The Kool-Aid Wino" is an uplifting story, although a unique tale in itself. Richard Brautigan shows evidence in his story, that with positive viewpoints, even in what may seem like chaotic times filled with turmoil, there are always moments of peace and joy awaiting discovery. From my personal perspective, his friend is a positive and influential character. It is quite feasible with this illness, this child could lie in bed throughout the day as opposed to waking, and to discover what each break of dawn may reveal. The story specifically states 'Like a famous brain surgeon removing a disordered portion of the imagination.' In his indiscriminate world, this child has found an outlet for a moment of peace, and perhaps a deviation from his pain An optimist shows an admiration for this boy and his motivation to make each moment count. With the illness or disorder of a rupture, one cannot complete the bending and the pulling of beans, nor any other physical labor with the slightest case. As opposed to providing supplemental income, a child can engage in household chores. The common routine of dishes, and keeping watch on the young, as well as assisting with the preparation of meals, does not require physical exertion. In this story, it does not claim that the sole activity this child does is the dishes. Who is to say that he does not assist his family by other means? One with a negative association of the actions of this character would have an opposing view. They may criticize the boy by stating "if he is able to walk to the corner store in order to buy his Kool-Aid, then, what is to say, he cannot work?" In opposition to this statement, the boy is simply strolling; he is not performing any sort of laborious task. They may also claim this child is selfish. There is no support in the story for this attest. Their rationale for selfishness is the assumption that the boy does not offer his friend or family any of his Kool-Aid. The tale also neglects to affirm that he does not offer any Kool-Aid; thus, there is insufficient information to make this supposition. In
conclusion, this story has inadequate support for a
negative view of this character and his actions. Back
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