In class response to Sparrow

The introduction to this essay is providing a background on the author's brother, Paul. It sets the scene in Paul's childhood years, attending school and describing his mannerisms in class. The purpose of this is to provide the reader with information on Paul's character, allowing us to form our own opinion on Paul based on what the author has given. The author gives the reader the setting by telling us where he grew up, specifically on 147th street and Park Ave, a wealthy neighborhood in Harlem. The author goes on to say that shootings were rare on his block, however, his brother was just unfortunate enough to witness one a few feet from their brownstone. As the essay progresses, it becomes clear that the information of the shooting was given to us to imprint the idea that this event traumatized Paul.

In Response to the Conclusion

In the conclusion to Sparrow, the author describes a conversation he had with his brother, where Paul bought a bag of weed but was then asked for more money. The dealer claimed that Paul had a debt to pay, however, Paul did not owe any money to the dealer. At that moment, a neighborhood bully from their childhood stepped in and took care of the dealer. Paul then wished that Lynwood did not hurt him. The author goes on to talk about how his brother never showed much affection, but that he did have a good heart at the end of the day. The author wrote a book of poems for Paul, a gesture Paul never mentioned after he received it. However, when Paul died in the hospital, the author was sent to retrieve a container of his items. At the top of a pile of clothes was the book of poems the author wrote for him. All along, Paul had appreciated and read the book his brother made for him, he just never showed it which fits the character the author has described to us.The end of the essay returns to the beginning in a way,  describing two different people. One who ventures to the dangerous clubs and parts of the city, and one who can only imagine it. His brother was the penchant for trouble, and the author was the mild mannered one who can only imagine the things his brother has seen.