Use the passage from Jacob Ris's How the Other Half Lives to answer the question.

Question

Use the passage from Jacob Ris's How the Other Half Lives to answer the question.

" the Other Halt LI
"Caught in the street by the truant officer, or by the agents of the Children's Societies, peddling, perhaps, or begging, to help out the
family resources, he runs the risk of being sent to a reformatory, where contact with vicious boys older than himself soon develop
the latent possibilities for evil that lie hidden in him.
.. The risk of the reformatory is too great. What is done in the end is to let him
take chances - with the chances all against him. The result is the rough young savage, familiar from the street."
- Jacob Riis
In a paragraph of 3-5 sentences, analyze what Riis is saying about the lives of young boys in New York City's slums

Answer 1

In this passage from Jacob Riis's "How the Other Half Lives," the author emphasizes the difficult and dire circumstances faced by young boys living in New York City's slums. Riis suggests that these boys often find themselves engaging in illegal activities such as peddling or begging, in order to support their families. However, if caught, they run the risk of being sent to a reformatory, where they are exposed to older, more dangerous boys who encourage and nurture their latent potential for evil. Riis argues that instead of providing these boys with a chance at reform and rehabilitation, they are left to take their chances on the streets, resulting in their transformation into rough and untamed individuals that are all too familiar in these impoverished neighborhoods.

Answer 2

In this passage, Jacob Riis is highlighting the dire circumstances faced by young boys living in New York City's slums. The truant officer and agents from Children's Societies serve as a constant threat to these boys, who engage in activities such as peddling or begging to support their families. Riis emphasizes that if caught, these boys risk being sent to reformatories, where exposure to older and more delinquent boys only amplifies their potential for engaging in criminal behavior. However, rather than providing a better alternative, the system allows these boys to take their chances on the streets, ultimately resulting in their transformation into rough, street-wise individuals. Riis is shedding light on the cyclical nature of poverty and the lack of adequate support for these vulnerable young boys, which perpetuates a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Answer 3

In this passage from Jacob Riis's book "How the Other Half Lives," the author is highlighting the harsh realities faced by young boys living in the slums of New York City. According to Riis, these boys often resort to peddling or begging in order to support their families, putting themselves at risk of being caught by truant officers or Children's Societies' agents. Rather than receiving help or guidance, these boys face the possibility of being sent to reformatories, where contact with older, more delinquent boys only amplifies the potential for criminal behavior. Riis suggests that, rather than offering support and opportunities for a better future, society simply allows these young boys to take their chances, ultimately resulting in the development of a rough and aggressive demeanor, a familiar sight on the city streets.