Growing up in the early 1900's was arduous. Families, such as Dave's, were challenged with the realities of poverty, and emotional conflicts. In Richard Wright's short story, "The Man Who Was Almost A Man," the protagonist's opinions regarding his manhood differ from his mothers. Those disputed opinions about personal experience, competence, and emotional reactions show significant differences when compared. Therefore, Wright is providing logical arguments about Dave's maturity when events involving Dave turn into adverse circumstances. All of which will dictate a different analysis than Dave's about the achievement of manhood.
             During the depression, all family members must do chores or work for wages in order to contribute to the family's survival. Dave personally feels he equal to an adult. After all, his contribution for the family is to go over to, "ol man Hawkins," (356) plantation and work from daylight to dark, with the men in the fields. During each workday, he completes the same amount of work as the other hired men; sometimes he even, "plows mo lan than anybody" (356). Dave considers that because he works hard from daylight to dark, and is "seventeen," (355) that he should be considered a mature man. However, Dave's mother disputes his manhood by taking into account Dave has not experienced reality. Besides Dave still lives at home, is still in "school," (356) and must constantly be reminded not to, "keep suppah waitin" (355). Even though he accomplishes as much or more than some adults, and thinks he is an equal. His mother knows his immaturity and inexperience prevent him from b!
             Dave keeps on schedule because his earnings are important for his family's survival. Dave never asks his mother to wake him or take him to work. Dave feels he is capable of getting to work and doing his job just like the other me
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