Richard Wright's The Man Who Was Almost A Man

The Man Who Was Never A Man

Throughout the life of someone they can accomplish many tasks that aggrandize their reputation, but it only takes one discrepancy to leave harrowing effects that will degenerate their character within society. In “The Man Who Was Almost A Man” Dave and his family are a destitute bunch, and with some convoluted idea Dave’s life goes from bad to worse. He is a character in the story that is immature, which leads him further into his impetuous behavior that seeks power. His ignorance goads him to act upon his insecurities which turn malicious and bring out the true cowardice character in Dave.
Dave beleaguers his mother into giving him money to buy the gun. His first act of immaturity is when he shows a lack a responsibility as he ensconces
In the morning succeeding the purchase of the gun, “The first movement he made… was to reach under his pillow for the gun. In the gray light of dawn he held it loosely, feeling a sense of power.” (4) This feeling of power that Dave draws from wielding the pistol is due to the lack of satisfaction within himself. He believes that the only way to gain respect is by the process of imposing fear, and in turn “nobody could run over him.” (4) Dave continues to marvel about the long barrel and the heavy handle which intensifies his insecurities and rash ideals. Abrupt decisions are made by Dave which intensifies the naivety of his character. These choices he makes abate the reputation of Dave in the eyes of the reader. He finds his ignorance bliss. Dave constantly overlooks any consequences that are to come from his actions. First it happens when he kills the Jenny, second after he found lying to his parents, and last his decisions after he chooses to run away from his problems. These decisions show that when the times get tough for Dave it brings out the true character in