Comparing Matthew And Ramon In Lunch With Lenin By Deborah Ellis

Deborah Ellis’ anthology Lunch With Lenin yields two boys named Matthew and Ramon share like and unlike traits. Both characters are the protagonists of their stories and remain static as they’ve been always making sacrifices for their family members. Matthew from “Through the Woods” courageously breaks the law to bring marijuana and care for his loving grandma. He also sacrifices his time, freedom, and happiness to ensure his Gran is at a state of peace. Ramon from “Dancing with Beads” faithfully serves his boss, Emilio by selling shaboo. Even though it’s illegal, Ramon fearlessly must work as a drug dealer anyways since it’s his only way for him to make a living to support his family. Both Matthew and Ramon care so deeply about their loved

Matthew undoubtedly purchases marijuana even though he could get a criminal record and face charges. Even the thugs at Matthew’s school do not bring fear into him. “It was no fun messing with someone who didn’t look scared… He wasn’t afraid of pain. Not anymore” (Ellis 2). It was clear that nothing was able to erode his courage. To compare, Ramon illegally and fearlessly makes a living for his family selling crystal meth. He also wants to traffick his kidney for the sake of his family despite his fear of going to jail. Both children don’t allow themselves to be stopped no matter how risky their actions are as long as they focus on their respective

Matthew risks going to jail from his parents by giving his grandma marijuana to relieve her pain. He also gives up his time come visit his grandma, lying to her that he’s fine at home to negate her worries even further. “‘How are things at home?’ Gran asked. ‘The same,’ he said, then corrected himself. ‘Better.’ He tugged on his shirt cuff” (Ellis 9). Notwithstanding that his grandmother can care for Matthew, freeing him from his suffering at home, Matthew decided to instead tell his grandma otherwise because that’s just how much Matthew cares about her. Likewise, Ramon considered giving up his kidney and possibly his freedom because organ trafficking is illegal so his family wouldn’t have to be homeless. Also, he postponed his only career, risking getting fired, to spend quality time with his mother to make her happy. At the end of the day, Ramon and Matthew succeed to make their loved ones content all because they’re selfless.

Due to the pain he’s used to, Matthew is easy-going and who can work well under pressure unlike Ramon who’s rather anxious because of his inexperience of adversity. Rather than asking the many “what if” questions Ramon would do, Matthew is quick and calm to when he executes his plans. He’s able to cope well with stress when he handles drugs in public which helps him lose suspicion and make his job even easier. Contrasting from Matthew, Ramon was anxious