STRUCTURE ANALYSIS

The plot is divided into sections beginning with a Preface explaining the author's purpose in writing the book, followed by sections named with seasons and years. It begins with Summer of 1987 and ends with September 29, 1989. Each section is then divided into 31 separate chapters. There is also an Epilogue, which does its job by tying up the loose ends of the narrative at least as far as how the family is fairing in the fall of 1989.

THEMES - THEME ANALYSIS

Parts of America are War Zones

The theme of parts of America are war zones is so important to the purpose of Kotlowitz's story. Just as if a reporter had gone to Beirut or Gaza City or Kosovo or Darfur, he would find the same kind of children that he could find in the projects of Chicago, Illinois, USA. These children have lived through so much violence that they can be easily labeled with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. And this is America! Kotlowitz examines how the violence, the poverty, and the hopelessness of the inner city affects two little boys, who growing up under other circumstances, would be real success stories. Children should not have to grow up like Pharoah and Lafeyette. They shouldn't have to depend on the whims of a welfare system for their daily meals. They shouldn't have to learn what to do in case of gunfire. They shouldn't have to be the objects of drug dealers who would steal their souls for money. They shouldn't have to go to sub-standard schools. When they are violently killed, their stories should be as important to the news as the deaths of white children. And they shouldn't have to wonder if they will grow up, rather than when they will grow up.

The Ravages of Poverty

The theme of the ravages of poverty runs throughout the narrative. Those who are its victims are trapped in a vicious cycle from which they cannot seem to escape. Most of the people in the projects have dropped out of school and have few skills that would make them desirable employees. As a result, they must depend on welfare and food stamps and such odd jobs as they might find. Their benefits are often dependent on their families being split up, and they're reduced to living in mass produced apartments which are seldom managed with any thought of the residents. They are also surrounded by drug deals and violence. This all spirals into a sense of hopelessness as they realize breaking out of their circumstances is nearly impossible. Poverty then continues from one generation to another, and children like Pharaoh become the exception rather than the rule.

Racism

Another theme, racism, is a devastating characteristic of the lives of people in the projects. It is defeating enough to live in poverty and violence with drugs deals going on all around you and your children under siege for what seems their very souls. Then add racism to the mix and the war is nearly over. Were there not racist attitude among the people in power in Chicago, Horner might never have decayed as it did. Were there not racism, young black men would not be assumed guilty before they are found innocent. Were there not racism, a traffic light would be automatic in the projects. Were there not racism, news of violent deaths of black people would appear on TV just as readily as the violent deaths of white people. Racism is the basis for the cycle of poverty, and it's the basis of the lost children of the projects.

The Deferral of the Dream

The theme of the dream deferred is so important to understand what motivates Kotlowitz. After spending two years in Pharoah and Lafeyette's lives, he sees the reality of Langston Hughes' poem. These young boys may not to live to adulthood. Their dreams are unlikely to come true. They are more than likely to dry up, fester with bitterness, or explode with rage. Their dreams are deferred, their hopes are put on hold, and their success is made to wait. Moreover, the consequences of allowing people to live generation after generation in such conditions breeds lost children who may someday fight back. Their explosion could be devastating to us all.