The Importance of Role Models

In Durango Street, Rufus’ devotion to Ernie Brown drives much of what he does. His desire to be related to someone that important or to be someone that important, is what makes Rufus want to move beyond the gang life. Rufus wants to go to school and make something of himself like Ernie Brown, and he wants to have a father figure that can be that good role model for him. Throughout the book it is emphasized just how much of an impact Ernie Brown is on Rufus’ life even before they meet.

Violence Leads to Violence

There is little doubt that throughout the book, every time someone reacts to a situation with violence it leads to more violence. Even when the bottle is thrown from the car at Rufus, it leads to Janet talking to the police, which leads to Rufus having to...