Final Reflection

The Rose that Grew from Concrete answered several of my questions on both Tupac’s life and death.  Moreover, it gave me the key to success: following my dreams.

Tupac Shakur’s book answered a question I had about his life.  First of all, I had always wanted to know the role of Mr. Shakur’s mother in his life.  I already understood that he loved her, due to me knowing the song Dear Mama by heart, but I really wanted to find out if he cared for his mother unconditionally, or if he adored her for the care that she gave to him.  I found out that Mr. Shakur was enamored of her because of the risks she took and love she showed him when Tupac writes, “Can u see the pride in the Pantha / as she nurtures her young all alone” (126).

The Rose that Grew from Concrete also answered my questions I had about Tupac Shakur’s death.  I wanted to know if Tupac actually foresaw his death, due to his theorized involvement in the Illuminati.   After reading the book, I concluded that because Tupac was disobeying the Illuminati, he recognized that his death was near.  For example, he shows his recognition of his death when he writes, “But I’ve decided 2 follow my heart and abandon my mind / and if there be pain I know that at least I gave my all” (149).  This quote shows that he knows his death is near, so he is saying that he might as well do what is right, which is to go against the Illuminati, and if he does not succeed then he hopes that his death is quick and not excruciating.

Above:  Some of Tupac Shakur's most inspirational words

Although this book answered a couple of my burning questions, the most vital thing I learned from reading The Rose that Grew from Concrete was that if I follow my dreams, I will have a high probability of becoming successful in life.  This lesson is shown through the plot and the content of the book.  When I wrote the connections blog, this idea slowly grew because Tupac and Oprah’s methods of accomplishment seemed to be feasible for me to do if I follow my dreams.   I kept pondering more and more about what I wanted to do in life so I could start chasing my ambitions at an early age.  Even though I did not come up with a specific goal, I have an idea of my profession and am currently talking to my parents about obtaining it.