2pac Symbolism In Refuge

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Nicolas A. Ramos English 111 Paradise Found “It ain't easy, that's my motto Drinkin Tanqueray straight out the bottle” -2Pac Shakur- An American rapper and actor, Tupac Shakur had many songs that regularly embody dealing with hardships of a less than fortunate life. It seems when life “aint easy” many celebrate, like Shakur did, consuming alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism. Surprisingly, between the pain and liquid courage there is a safer way to cope that’s closer than we think. In Jessica Goldberg’s, “Refuge” we see the touching story of a young woman, Amy, who is center stage and forced to care for her younger brother and sister after their parents permanently abandoned them on a one-way trip to Florida. In great need…show more content…
(Goldberg 271) Here Nat is not challenged; rather, he enlightens the reader with a sense of higher purpose and security that exists, somewhere out there, in the form of paradise. Being a Christian, we can connect that Sam also understands this, especially because he has experienced being completely alone. He even explains his “long ride” and “too many nights sleeping in the car” until he found the “first steady bed I’ve had in years.” (Goldberg 272). The reader sees his desire for a new identity and this characterization now firmly states that Sam has an idea of a different kind of “safe place” you don’t have to travel far to get or look very hard to find. Particularly, there is valuable refuge to be found in a family with unconditional loyalty. The scene where they go outside and walk is a crucial development in the story where Sam formally declares insider knowledge on the benefits of a family: They’ll have both of us, I’ll be good to them. I want it, a family, a fucking family. If it’s something bad with Becca we’ll take care of it together. (Silence, as Amy tries to figure out what he has said). (Goldberg
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