timpereley wino essay

The Kool-Aid Wino
An essay by Katie Timperley

In the story of the Kool-Aid wino, it seems to me that the boy's character is positive. I believe this for many reasons. There is a lot to support my opinion. The first reason is the fun he finds in drinking Kool-Aid. This one stands out I because he leads a depressing life and something as simple as drinking kool-aid makes him happy. His liking this drink is almost an escape from his rupture and his family's poverty.

At the beginning of the story it discusses how he has certain chores around the house that he ignores so he can go buy his Kool-Aid. It may seem irresponsible, but how do we know he doesn't do it later? He does put it off because he wants to enjoy his ritual. It also seems a little manipulative of him to take $.O5 from his friend, but we don't know that situation either.

   Even though some of these things seem negative, I still think he's positive. He's positive because he takes pride in the Kool-Aid and enjoys it when he doesn't even have sugar! This shows his dedication to the drink. It's a good thing that despite the circumstances this illuminates him

   This ritual helps bring simplicity to his difficult life. Kool-Aid seems to be very important to him; he puts a lot of effort and time into it. It's positive because he's a child. Loving Kool-Aid is typical for a kid.

   Some things come across as negative, but one must remember, he is a child. Is he bad because he doesn't do his chores right away? Is he bad because he can't help his family in the fields because of a medical problem? Some might seem him as strange because he sleeps in his clothes. Considering the reasons he gave, I see him as being practical and simple.

It's not fair if he's considered obsessed because he loves Kool-Aid. When a person finds something they like, they are going to do it as much as they want because it makes them happy. Kool-Aid makes this boy happy.