In Richard Wright's "The Man Who Was Almost a Man," Dave Sanders demonstrates immaturity and ignorance in an adolescence. Because to Dave, owning a gun signifies becoming a man. After begging his mother for two dollars to purchase a gun "from Joe at the sto (2073)," Dave takes to the woods and plays with the gun. As a result, Dave shoots his boss's mule, Jenny. Frantically, Dave buries the gun. Furthermore, avoiding punishment and responsibility, Dave Fabricates a story about Jenny's death. Later, while tearfully confessing the dishonesty, Dave's boss decides "let the boy keep on working and pay me two dollars a month" totaling fifty dollars (2074). That night, Unable to sleep, Dave sneaks out and retrieves the gun because "they couldn't talk
