How Does Shawn Treat Will When He Enters the Elevator?
Shawn’s treatment of Will when he enters the elevator is a pivotal moment in the novel "Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds. The scene is crucial in understanding the complex dynamics between the two brothers and the consequences of their actions. In this article, we will delve into the details of Shawn’s treatment of Will and explore its significance in the novel.
Shawn’s Ignorance
When Will enters the elevator, Shawn ignores him. This is a significant moment in the novel as it highlights the strained relationship between the two brothers. Shawn’s decision to ignore Will is a deliberate choice, indicating that he has lost all interest in communicating with his brother. This is a stark contrast to their past interactions, where they were once close and communicated openly.
A Punishment from the Past
Will’s entry into the elevator also serves as a reminder of a punishment from their past. In the past, Shawn would often ignore Will as a form of punishment, usually for something Will had done wrong. This behavior was a way for Shawn to exert control over Will and demonstrate his power. In the elevator, Shawn’s ignoring of Will is a throwback to this past behavior, highlighting the cyclical nature of their relationship.
The Rules of the Neighborhood
The elevator scene is also significant in the context of the neighborhood’s rules. Shawn’s decision to ignore Will is a reminder of the rules that govern their community. In the neighborhood, it is believed that if someone is killed, their brother or family member must avenge their death. Shawn’s ignoring of Will is a deliberate choice, indicating that he is choosing to follow the rules and not take action to avenge his own death.
The Consequences of Ignoring
The consequences of Shawn’s ignoring of Will are far-reaching. By ignoring Will, Shawn is essentially choosing not to communicate with his brother and not to take action to avenge his own death. This decision has significant implications for Will, who is left to navigate the complexities of the neighborhood’s rules and the consequences of his own actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shawn’s treatment of Will when he enters the elevator is a complex and nuanced moment in the novel "Long Way Down". The scene highlights the strained relationship between the two brothers, the cyclical nature of their interactions, and the consequences of ignoring the neighborhood’s rules. By ignoring Will, Shawn is making a deliberate choice that has significant implications for their relationship and the future of the neighborhood.
Additional Information
- The Impact of Ignoring: Shawn’s ignoring of Will serves as a reminder of the power dynamics in their relationship. By ignoring Will, Shawn is exerting control over his brother and demonstrating his power.
- The Neighborhood’s Rules: The elevator scene is significant in the context of the neighborhood’s rules. Shawn’s decision to ignore Will is a reminder of the rules that govern their community and the consequences of not following them.
- The Cycle of Violence: The scene highlights the cyclical nature of violence in the neighborhood. Shawn’s ignoring of Will is a deliberate choice that perpetuates the cycle of violence and reinforces the neighborhood’s rules.
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