I find it very hard to commit to a view of the main character in this story as being either positive or negative The narrator presents facets of each type of behavior. However, the information provided can be interpreted in different ways, according to different beliefs, values and assumptions. I prefer to think that the main character is just dealing with his reality in a manner that satisfies him, and is not good or bad.

   The argument could be made that the character is selfish. He does not offer his friend or his family any of the Kool-Aid in the story. He gets the nickel from his friend without an indication of having earned it. He also eats in front of his friend without offering to share his sandwich, or provide a similar one. However, this information could be unmentioned, or there could be cultural values of the time and place that are at work. Also of note are the facts that the character's family is obviously poor, and that children of his age are generally self-centered.

   The view that the character is neglectful of himself and his duties as well as neglectful of his family, is one that I had previously taken. He does not take off his clothes when going to bed. He steps around the smaller children, whose diapers are "in various stages of anarchy." He also puts off doing the dishes, which is his responsibility. More information is needed to make an informed judgement here. It may be cold under the "tattered revolution of blankets", or the clothes he wears may be the only set he has. Maybe his mother is babysitting small children who aren't related to him, as it is mentioned that everyone in the family had to work. There might be no new diapers to put on, or he might not even know how to change them.

   Although I believe that the character exhibits addictive behaviors, it is not certain whether this is positive or negative. The grocer knows exactly what the character wants without having to ask, indicating repetition of habit. The wino apparently knows where to get the money for his habit without working for it. The making of the Kool-Aid has a ritual associated with it that delays other activities. Carrying a gallon of water would likely hurt an individual with a rupture, yet the character does it anyway. The character also uses no sugar and twice as much water to make the Kool-Aid, causing it to be of little actual value. However, none of these behaviors seem to be harming anyone else. His obsession is of little consequence in reality, and it is said that he "was able to illuminate himself by it."

   In my opinion, the main point of the story is that the Kool-Aid wino deals with his reality by creating an alternative one. While many addictions also do this, many are much more harmful than this one. The circumstances associated with the boy are harsh and not easy to deal with. The boy seems to be doing his personal best. To put a positive or negative label on that would be extremely judgemental in my view. I try not to pass judgement on others because there are always unknown factors that cannot be taken into account. I grew up in a family that was poor and dysfunctional myself, and I also developed a way to deal with it by creating an alternate reality. Although many people would probably see the drug, alcohol, and authority problems I had developed as negative, I would submit that they might have done the same thing if they were in my position at the time. I would strongly oppose anyone putting a positive or negative connotation on me, especially considering the fact that I was able to change my lifestyle.