An Analysis Of Richard Wright's The Man Who Was Almost A Man

The Man Who Was Almost a Man is a about a poor black family in a southern town during a time when black-white criticism was more prominent. The author, Richard Wright, shares quite a few similarities with his main character, like being born and raised in the south and struggling to find himself. He clearly uses the selective third person point of view as he gives thoughts and actions from Dave while only giving actions from others, but also narration from a narrator. There is a very interesting southern dialect provided and Standard English depending on whose perspective is being used. Besides the main character, Dave, his mother plays a role, his father, his employer Jim Hawkins, and the store owner Joe. Dave fooled his family, boss and Joe as he went about trying to own a gun which he thought would make him a man.
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Hawkins is Dave’s boss and is a powerful white man since that owns a large plantation and a big white house. Hawkins is in charge while Dave works for him and gets little pay. In a way, he plays master and the Saunders play slave which aids in the subtle idea of slavery that still lingers during the time of this story. However, he is never harsh towards any of them and does not make a huge fuss over the death of his mule. In fact, one could even say he cared for his young worker Dave as he reassures him to tell the truth and that “Ain’t nobody going to hurt you” (763).
“The Man Who Was Almost a Man” is a story that gives detail to more than just a boy almost becoming a man. Richard Wright writes of the social structure of black vs. white, power vs. weakness and the struggle to transition from boy to man. Dave tries to overcome the social structure and prove himself a man by buying a gun. His scheme backfires causing him humiliation, showcasing his immaturity and ruins any chance of Joe, his mother, his father, Mr. Hawkins or anyone else showing him respect. This story teaches the importance to recognize one’s self and