Essay Questions

How does the narrator use imagery of sight to describe the environment the protagonist lives?

The narrator depicts the sense of sight when saying, "He'd just managed to catch sight of them standing and knew that they weren't stretching their legs." This imagery plays a critical role in helping the reader understand the cruelty and violence of the street life to which Alex is exposed to. Alex is not familiar with this harsh environment introduced to him by his friend Bone. Bone is used to rough nights, and he knows how to maneuver to make ends meet. Alex has no option but to learn the street's gang language to be warned using those signs. Consequently, the author is tactical in the way he uses the imagery of sight to describe Alex's surroundings.

How do society and school environments encourage cultural vehemence among the youths?

As much as this question sounds sarcastic, it is without a doubt that schools and society encourage cultural violence that is witnessed among the youths. For instance, most students are bullied in their early years in schools. Most school administrations assume that bullying is a norm, and it goes unchecked. The bullied students grow up knowing that they are waiting for their time to revenge. The cycle continues, and when such students leave, they are already violent and short-tempered. Alex is one of the students who experience harsh bullying during his early schooling days. Society does little to raise student bullying issues, thus fueling cultural violence that is witnessed in the rough city.

What are the main lessons learning from the book Sleep Rough Tonight?

The book teaches readers two main moral lessons. Firstly, the author cautions readers to be cautious of the people pretend to be their friends. Getting true friends is a rare experience, and readers have to take their time before engaging in friends, which might lead to toxicity. Alex is manipulated by Hockey, who pretends that he is after nothing but friendship. When Alex accepts Jockey's request for friendship with Jockey, he moves to the city. Alex is later introduced to street gangs characterized by violence and dangerous life afterward. Secondly, the author reminds the reader that society and learning institutions' responsibility is to create an unpretentious atmosphere for young people to grow, knowing that violence is not beneficial. For instance, learning institutions and parents must ensure no bullying in schools, which is the main cultural violence recipe.