... self-respect and the respect of others. Dave is treated just like a mule, given no responsibility, not even the chance to hold on to part of his earnings. This is seen when Joe, the store owner ask "your ma letting you have your own money now?-(656). Dave doesn't ... serve him right. The gun, to Dave, symbolizes, and even represents, manhood. Dave, of course, procures his desired weapon and finds himself burdened by the restitution he must pay for murdering the mule. Interestingly, the mule symbolizes true manhood, responsibility. Dave, not ready to grapple with this new responsibility...

• Word Count: 1246
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... you or someone else isn't a good thing. In these three short stories, "Red-Headed Baby" by Langston Hughes, "The Man Who Was Almost A Man" by Richard Wright, and "Battle Royal" by Ralph Ellison, race affects how the main character sees himself and how others see him. In the short story, ... . Clarence got treated better just because of his race, even though he was very rude to the child and the family he visited. Racial injustice is a big part in "The Man Who Was Almost A Man." It is a short story about a 17-year-old African American young man who wants to be treated ... me get at that ...

• Word Count: 1099
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School