Marcus and Newt have very different lifestyles. Newt is shown as a child in a very large loving family who receives love and participates in family events. On the other hand Marcus has no family to interact with due to his mothers death and his father's alcoholism.

In the story Newt is surrounded by a good family and a nice warm house to live in. His family supports him in every way they can even though they do not always agree. Newt is very interested in playing the piano but his father says, "Piano playin's for girls." (p. 68) So he went to his mother for a different opinion and he received the support to go on and continue living out his dreams. Marcus lives in a shack with his fat

her who basically has no concern if his son is alive or dead and because of that Marcus has no respect for his father. Even when his father tries to teach him a lesson Marcus says "You winehead! You are too damn drunk to stand up, less along fight." (p. 45) As a response to his fathers attempt to become more of a father figure to him.

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In the beginning of the book Newt's mother Sarah tells him "No matter if you go or stay, think of Cherokee Flats like this till the day you die - Let it be your learning tree." (p. 36) That advise could have been given to both of the boys but depending on both family and lifestyle it might go in one ear and out the other. Due to Marcus' family life

Some common words found in the essay are:
Marcus Newt, Thanks Pappa, Newt's Christmas, Cherokee Flats, Due Marcus', Rev Broadnap, Gordon Parks, christmas day, learning tree, , receives love,
Approximate Word count = 511
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)