In the story ‘ The Man Who Was Almost a Man,’ Richard Wright explores the various decisions and their consequences that individuals encounter in life. The protagonist, Dave, embodies a young man who yearns to be seen as a mature adult but becomes confronted with the harsh realities of adulthood. Wright effectively portrays this lack of preparedness through Dave’s self-interested decision-making, his desire to earn respect from his family, and his determination to establish his dignity. Hence, Dave’s actions throughout the narrative illustrate that he is merely ‘almost a man.’
In this passage, Dave’s immaturity is evident, indicating that he is not yet prepared for adulthood. Despite feeling that he is no longer a child, Dave desires respect from both the town and, more importantly, his parents. He diligently works in the fields and gives his earnings to his mother. Dave expresses to her that since he is the one doing the work, he believes he deserves the money or at least a portion of it. After accidentally killing the mule, Dave longs to regain respect from his boss and the townspeople who mock him for his immaturity. The entire crowd, including the townspeople, laugh at him following the incident with the mule. Dave yearns to be treated as an adult but it seems unlikely. Despite his hard work, he feels like a mule and is mistreated. Dave is unprepared for the consequences he will face for shooting the mule, even though it was accidental. However, he must confront them. While Dave’s decision to purchase the gun can be questioned, his choice to hide it and defy his mother is even more irrational. The author of “The Man Who Was Almost a Man,” Richard Wright, chose a fitting title for this short story because.
