Raw by Scott Monk, Hard Rock by Etheridge Knight and Dangerous Minds by John N. SmithInstitutions can have positive and negative effects that can alter the state of mind of an individual. perceptions, judgments and values. Scott Monk's "Raw," Etheridge Knight's "Hard Rock," and John N. Smith's "Dangerous Minds" help convey how such institutions can reform an individual. The novel "Raw" written by Scott Monk is simple in terms of style but introduces an interesting and acceptable insight into the concept of "institution and individual experience". Brett Dalton seems like a reactionary, highly crafted character who challenges or feels confronted by structures of authority or control. Using Brett as his protagonist, Monk opens the novel with a prologue that describes Brett as a delinquent and confused teenager who refuses to take responsibility for his own fate. actions. His intolerance leads him to commit a crime: breaking into a bottle shop; this explains why he is in the establishment called "the farm", which can be described as a "halfway house" between no security and maximum security. This institution welcomes troubled adolescents, in which it is their second chance to become better individuals. Throughout the novel, Brett is symbolized as the troubled teenager who overcomes his ignorance. At the farm, Brett meets caretaker Sam, who is symbolized not only as a role model but also as the cause of Brett's positive change. Sam respects every individual equally and believes everyone deserves a second chance, but Brett, at first, tolerates no one, especially people with authority - "they're the enemy, and you don't care." never befriend the enemy.” This demonstrates Brett's attitudes and protests middle of paper......students. Many students have no sense of belonging and see no value in being in a place where even there teachers have no expectations of them. All this until Lou Anne Johnson arrived. Lou Anne gives students hope and shows them that there can be positive effects from the institution. But the negative effects eventually reappear, when a student is turned away in principle based on a petty rule. This emphasizes rules and order rather than the individual. The consequence for the student in this case is death. Lou Anne sums up this incident well: “What should I tell them? If they don't want to die, don't forget to knock ?.