Essay Questions

What factor leads to improper teen behavior and prostitution?

Ellen Hopkins blames improper teen behavior and prostitution on irresponsible parenting. For instance, Eden falls into drug addiction and prostitution after her strict parents send her to a reformed religious institution. Eden's parents are religious leaders, and they restrict her from interacting with boys. However, Eden finds a way and escapes from the reformed institutions and falls into drug addiction and prostitution. For Seth, her father is conservative and refuses to listen to his needs, forcing him to date fellow men. Whitney's parents do not love her, and she decides to look for love elsewhere, thus ending up being misused by men.

What predicament befalls Seth due to his father's neglect?

Seth suffers from a sexual identity crisis. Seth lives with a conservative father, who is abusive and disrespectful. Seth knows that his father does not love him, and his mother is not around to protect him. Making matters worse for Seth, he does not understand his sexuality. Due to lack of guidance, Seth falls in love with fellow men, further strains his relationship with his extended family.

How does Cody find himself in online gambling in Las Vegas?

Cody is a young, determined man who looks forward to a better life. However, Cody suffers a major setback when his stepfather dies. After his father's death, Cody becomes homeless, and he decides to go to Las Vegas to look for a job. Unfortunately, Cody fails to get a job and starts online gambling to make ends meet. Online gambling becomes addictive and hinders Cody's ability to become productive in his life. As a result, Cody wastes his youth doing online gambling, and he suffers for the rest of his life.