On The Sidewalk Bleeding Symbolism

William Shakespeare once said, “We know what we are, but not what we may be.” Evan Hunter’s Message in “On the Sidewalk, Bleeding is about the misplacement of identity. Hunter’s use of symbolism has a profound effect on the reader’s understanding of the story. The theme of the story is wonderfully written resulting in a clear message to the reader.
Andy’s bright purple jacket is a contributing factor to his death. As Andy lay in wet alley he begins to wonder, “Had they stabbed him, Andy or had they only stabbed the jacket and the title” (213). During Andy’s final moments he experiences a brief epiphany. Andy now knows that it was not his identity that been the target rather his title that came with the jacket. Furthermore, the Guardians did
not feel hatred towards Andy, but the gang he was with. Moreover, the rain symbolizes the cleansing of Andy and his all of his painful troubles. Andy is sitting all alone in the dark, gloomy alley. With his final Andy concludes, “Rain is sweet. I am Andy” (215). The life within Andy was slowly yet steadily leaving him. Anyone that could have helped Andy is now gone leaving Andy to die in the rain. Instead of stressing over his situation Andy accepts his fate and comes to terms with his death.
Finally, the theme of the story clarifies the reason for the stabbing of Andy.