Almost a Man
In most short stories, writers weave in symbols so that readers can have a greater understanding of the theme in the story. There is always a deeper meaning to the figures of speech, objects, and people in a short story. Since the authors only have a small time frame and a certain amount of words that they are able to put in the story they use symbolism to get their point across to readers. Richard Wright the writer of “The Man Who Was Almost a Man”, uses symbolism throughout his story to represent the main character Dave who searches for power and respect in society.
The story takes place in 1961 and focuses on a seventeen year old African American field worker named Dave. During the early 1960s it was very difficult for African Americans to gain respect from others and to have complete control over their own lives. Dave for example, is constantly being degraded and disrespected by everyone around him. Due to his parents having a lack of trust in Dave, he isn’t allowed to own a gun at the age of seventeen. Mrs. Saunders tells him, “Yuh, don’t need no gun. Yuh’ll git in trouble” (Wright 3). She also says, “Yuh an nothing but a boy yit” (Wright 3). Instead of obeying and respecting Mrs. Saunder’s opinion about him owning a gun he begs and manipulates her so that he can get his way. Dave says, “Ma, ef…show more content… The gun, mule and train were the most meaningful, which represented Dave and his lack of masculinity. Dave strives to get the respect he deserves, but it isn’t easy for any African American during the early 1960s. From the beginning to the end of the story Dave doesn’t mature and didn’t learn any lessons from his mistakes. He was never a man and will have a difficult time becoming one in the future. Just as Richard Wright says, “Man can starve from a lack of self-realization just as he can from a lack of bread.” Same was for Dave because he lacked self- realization and also lacked
