Richard Wright's The Man Who Was Almost A Man

In order for power to be beneficial, it must be obtained by a responsible and virtuous character. In the hands of arrogance and immaturity; in vain, power can be used maliciously. “The Man who was almost a Man,” by Richard Wright, depicts an immature, egotistical, and cowardly protagonist, that longs for the respect given to those who are considered a “man”. Dave feels a sense of entitlement through the possession of the gun, and his actions rely purely on his infantile mentality. A pistol has the capability to take away life, the most precious thing a person has to lose. He has no control over the guns abilities; symbolically, leaving the power in the hands of an unfit character. The mule, Jenny, is a crossbreed between a Horse and a Donkey. …show more content…
Dave had his heart set on becoming a respected man; by no means, did he show the qualities.“... and he tied it to his naked thigh while it was still loaded.” Dave didn’t think of the danger he put himself in by strapping a lethal weapon to his leg. The result of his irresponsible action could have been deadly. Characteristically Dave is not a man; thus, leading him to to the easiest way of gaining respect, through power. The pistol gave him the quickly satisfied need for dominance. Without earning his power, Dave does not know how to control it. For this reason, Dave is consumed by its force. “ he had an itch to fire it again.” He became addicted to the gun’s power and it drove him insane. “Like a hungry dog scratching for a bone, he pawed it up.” Dave couldn’t resist the it’s compelling nature. The gun eventually became too much for him, and Jenny’s death was the result of its corruption. In reality, when an individual acquires too much wealth, his decisions are affected by the need for more. Thus, blinding him from those who could be hurt by his inconsiderable actions. Jenny embodies the people affected by an individual with too much power, and Dave represents what happens when someone is given too