The Man Who Was Almost a Man The Man Who Was Almost a Man
The Man Who Was Almost a Man depends largely on symbolism to convey the theme and true meaning of the story. Dave, the main character, is illustrated fumbling through life with frustration. Dave wants dearly to gain the respect and power so closely associated with manhood. In his quest to achieve such respect, Dave sees the men in the fields shooting their guns. Dave decides promptly that he will purchase a gun and impress the men with his skill in handling the weapon. A large portion of the story's symbolism lays with this premise. The gun, to Dave, symbolizes, and even represents, manhood. Dave, of course, procures his desired weapon and finds himself burdened by the restitution he must pay for murdering the mule. Interestingly, the mule symbolizes true manhood; responsibility. Dave, not ready to grapple with this new responsibility decides to run away. Dave is fortified with the power and manliness that he sees in the gun. It is this object which gives Dave the courage to face the unknown. In the moments preceding his heroic escape, Dave's stomach quivers while he has his hand on the gun. Just as Dave is about to jump on the train, "he gripped the gun tightly" (543). Finally, Dave jumps onto the train and, "he felt his pocket; the gun was still there" (543). An interesting question to consider is, would Dave have stayed on the train had he dropped the gun? Probably not. Dave reassures himself, periodically, before jumping on the train by making sure he has the gun. Earlier in the story, the reader recognizes Dave's immaturity and childishness when he begs his mother for the gun. The reader must consider this carefully when Dave leaves, and consider how heavily he will rely on the gun to determine his position in society.
