The excerpt from "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" is about events that took place during the 1960s. Although entertaining, do you think G

Question

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The excerpt from "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" is about events that took place during the 1960s. Although entertaining, do you think G

oines's narrative essay is relevant to readers today? What points does Goines make that would have an impact on today's youth? In a paragraph of at least two hundred words, answer these questions. Support your answers by describing main ideas or details that Goines uses in his essay. Then clearly show why his points are or are not relevant in present times.

English

2 answers:

Flura [6.9K] · Answer 1 · 2026-02-16T16:37:03+03:00

Answer:

In my view, "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" by Goines lacks major relevance for today's audience, considering there is no significant war or conflict occurring in the United States right now. While I can't draw many direct connections, I do see emotions or thoughts that some readers might find relatable, like how they might empathize with the feelings of draft-related anxiety expressed in "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie." Others may picture themselves experiencing the same emotional turmoil that characters face regarding conscription as discussed by Goines. Although I can't highlight substantial relevance, I did observe various emotions and possible comparisons. A distinction I can note is that a young American today may have difficulty relating to being apprehended for draft evasion or feeling coerced into military service, which seems quite unlikely to happen in the current climate.

Flura [6.9K] · Answer 2 · 2026-02-16T16:38:02+03:00

Answer:

Goines's narrative essay holds significance for contemporary readers due to its anti-war (pacifist) theme, which, although rooted in the Vietnam era, conveys a timeless humanitarian message.

Explanation:

While it's true that today's young audience may not find the specifics of the Vietnam war particularly captivating, they can certainly connect with themes of civil disobedience and social injustices, along with Goines's use of humor and irony to depict his pushback against political authority. For instance, Goines's clever description of navigating the bureaucratic maze to postpone his draft could resonate with today's youth who identify as rebels. In the current context void of drafts, younger individuals might struggle to grasp the political complexities of the 1960s and 1970s. However, the need to resist wars, especially when the burden of such decisions impacts the youth, remains significant. This chapter is pertinent because it allows younger generations to reflect on and possibly redefine what patriotism means: is true patriotism exemplified by serving in a war or by opposing misguided national policies?