Socrates Fortlow Research Paper

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Trevor Thomas September 23, 2008 Comp. For Honors-001 Dr. Ned Preston, Professor “Socrates Fortlow; Pioneering Others to the Road He Wishes to Travel” Socrates Fortlow was born into the household of an abusive father in rural Indiana. As his life progressed, he became involved in many unorthodox activities, which ended with him being sentenced to twenty-seven years in prison for a double homicide while under the influence of alcohol. Upon his release from prison, Socrates moves to the Watts area of Los Angeles, California where he begins his journey to redefine his life and save his soul. It is evident through his interactions with others that Socrates seeks redemption of his “lost life” by his determination to improve the lives of “his people” on the path of destruction. This includes, but is not limited to his involvement with Darryl, Howard, Ralphie McPhee, Petis, and Ponzelle Richmond. Socrates makes it a goal of his to offer Darryl a better chance to make it in life. From his first encounters with him he plays the role of a welcoming father-figure towards Darryl. He…show more content…
Although probably not evident on the surface, his command for Petis to “go, boy” (page 35) is actually a mechanism used by Socrates to offer Petis a chance at redemption and a new life; just as he seeks one. Socrates refers to Petis as a “boy,” to enforce that he knows Petis’ mind has not fully matured and developed. Although Petis may be in the body of an adult, Socrates (and his philosophical mindset) has the enlightenment and ability to see that Petis isn’t fully “conscious” of himself (possibly due to his addiction(s) or upbringing) and deserves an opportunity to go away and try to redefine his life. This is why Socrates chose this solution as oppose to leaving him in Watts, where he more than likely would have been

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