Reese's hopes and dreams for his future are pretty modest: He'd like to have a job and fit in, maybe joke around with people sometimes. But even these simple things feel impossible at Progress. Being a prisoner makes Reese feel worthless, and the prisoners are so mean and volatile it's hard to look forward to much of anything. Out in the real world, though, the people Reese knows still dare to dream. His little sister, Icy, wants to be the first woman president, and his friend Kenneth wants to go to college. Sadly, as Kenneth and Icy get older, their dream feels more and more remote. In Lockdown, it's hard to hold tight to hope.
Questions About Hopes, Dreams, and Plans
- What are the obstacles to Reese achieving his dreams? Do you think he can overcome them? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Reese focuses on Icy's hopes for the future instead of on his own?
- Do you feel hopeful for Reese's future? Why or why not?
Chew on This
In Lockdown, Progress is a place where Reese learns to hope.
In Lockdown, Progress is a place that makes Reese feel hopeless.