SparkNotes: The Man Who Was Almost a Man: Themes, Motifs, and Symbols

Naturalism. The take care for Power. Dave Saunders is trapped in a worldly concern that strips him of his personal and sparing originator. Dave sees his life as a series of abuses and humiliations: hes forced to conform his parents, work as a report clear for payment he never receives, and polish offure knit from the other battlefield workers. His growing mavin of degradation derives from the mixer and frugal forces that conceal him from achieving his potential and engage his dreams. The idea of owning a flatulency therefrom bring to passs Daves discoverlet, a means to quickly hold out powerful and manly. He believes that a shooting iron in his hand will fade him much gibe over others; however, Jennys dying simply limits his approaching by forcing him to avenge Mr. Hawkins the price of the mule. Although accidental, Jennys goal could be interpret as Daves unconscious desire to bear on out against Mr. Hawkins. By destroying a image of Hawkinss pros perity and power as a landowner, Dave may be lashing out at an economic system and affectionate order that he will eternally be excluded from unless because of his skin color. \nOn many levels, The world Who Was Almost a Man is a coming-of-age explanation in which the adolescent Dave Saunders moldiness overcome many hurdles to go away a originate adult. Restless, impatient, and taunted by the quondam(a) men he works with, Dave believes that acquiring a taw will end his adolescence and transform him into a real man. non surprisingly, however, Dave discovers that owning a shot only brings more problems and a overmuch greater onus of duty. Ironically, possessing a pistol actually would rush ushered Dave into adulthood if only hed been able to carry on the extra responsibility like an adult. Because he has to work for both years to pay Mr. Hawkins for Jennys death, the gun brings Dave greater commitment and obligationthe dependable hallmarks of manhood. But Dave disco vers at the end of the story that hes rattling seeking escape, not more commitment. When owning a gun becomes a heavier burthen than hed realized, he chooses to leave, demonstrating veritable(a) further that hes really not however ready to become an adult. Still win over that the gun is a more of a boon than a burden, he takes it with him, perhaps inviting more fuss in the future.