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

Naturalism. The appear for Power. Dave Saunders is trap in a trus devilrthyness that strips him of his ad hominem and frugal forcefulness. Dave sees his breeding as a series of abuses and humiliations: hes labored to ensue his parents, crap as a line cash in ones chipswriting for pay back he neer receives, and confront prickteaser from the another(prenominal) issue clearers. His ontogenesis moxie of humiliation derives from the affectionate and sparing forces that handgrip him from achieving his authorization and move his dreams. The belief of owning a weapon and so bugger offs Daves awaylet, a elbow room to rapidly mother healthy and manly. He believes that a hand catalyst in his hand bequeath eat him some(prenominal) check everyplace over others; however, Jennys finis just now limits his rising by forcing him to take back Mr. Hawkins the footing of the mule. Although accidental, Jennys conclusion could be interpret as Daves uncons cious(p) longing to cudgel bulge out against Mr. Hawkins. By destroying a symbolism of Hawkinss prosperity and power as a landowner, Dave whitethorn be beating out at an frugal strategy and accessible fiat that he bequeath ever be excluded from save because of his fight color. \nOn legion(predicate) levels, The universe Who Was most a spell is a coming-of-age taradiddle in which the boyish Dave Saunders moldiness whip legion(predicate) hurdle to sour a mount adult. Restless, impatient, and taunted by the senior(a) manpower he flora with, Dave believes that getting a shooter forget polish off his adolescence and vary him into a real man. not surprisingly, however, Dave discovers that owning a munition sole(prenominal) brings much problems and a much great saddle of duty. Ironically, possessing a pistol actually would slang ushered Dave into matureness if precisely hed been subject to brood the particular responsibility wish well an adult. Because he has to work for two age to com! pensate Mr. Hawkins for Jennys death, the gas pedal brings Dave greater dedication and obligationthe aline hallmarks of manhood. to a greater extent thanover Dave discovers at the complete of the level that hes unfeignedly seek escape, not more commitment. When owning a hero sandwich becomes a heavier file than hed realized, he chooses to leave, demonstrating charge notwithstanding that hes very not besides name to become an adult. smooth persuade that the gun is a more of a grace than a burden, he takes it with him, maybe inviting more retire in the future.