In about 250 words, describe how the themes in “the man who was almost a man” interact and build on each other

Dave Saunders is trapped in a world that strips him of his personal and economic power. Dave sees his life as a series of abuses and humiliations: he’s forced to obey his parents, work as a field hand for pay he never receives, and endure ribbing from the other field workers. His growing sense of degradation derives from the social and economic forces that keep him from achieving his potential and pursuing his dreams. The idea of owning a gun thus becomes Dave’s outlet, a way to quickly become powerful and manly. He believes that a pistol in his hand will give him more control over others; however, Jenny’s death only limits his future by forcing him to repay Mr. Hawkins the price of the mule. Although accidental, Jenny’s death could be interpreted as Dave’s unconscious desire to strike out against Mr. Hawkins. By destroying a symbol of Hawkins’s prosperity and power as a landowner, Dave may be lashing out at an economic system and social order that he will always be excluded from merely because of his skin color.

Coming-of-Age Struggles

On many levels, “The Man Who Was Almost a Man” is a coming-of-age story in which the adolescent Dave Saunders must overcome numerous hurdles to become a mature adult. Restless, impatient, and taunted by the older men he works with, Dave believes that acquiring a gun will end his adolescence and transform him into a real man. Not surprisingly, however, Dave discovers that owning a gun only brings more problems and a much greater burden of responsibility. Ironically, possessing a pistol actually would have ushered Dave into adulthood if only he’d been able to handle the extra responsibility like an adult. Because he has to work for two years to repay Mr. Hawkins for Jenny’s death, the gun brings Dave greater commitment and obligation—the true hallmarks of manhood. But Dave discovers at the end of the story that he’s really seeking escape, not more commitment. When owning a gun becomes a heavier burden than he’d realized, he chooses to leave, demonstrating even further that he’s really not yet ready to become an adult. Still convinced that the gun is a more of a boon than a burden, he takes it with him, possibly inviting more trouble in the future.

pre-writing

why we feel good, or better, when we laugh?

is there a scientific explanation for this to happen?

which are the sources?

rough draft

laughter has a way of instantly connecting people and is one of the most basic and fundamental ways in which we communicate as human beings.

newport academy: endorphins reduce stress and strength social connections.

they combat anxiety and depression.

final draft

we know that when we laugh we feel better; when something is making us laugh it means we thought it was funny at some point, even if it was not meant that way. what we know is that it made us feel good. that is something we all can realize easily, but is it a chemical explanation for it to happen? of course there

according to joe bluett, laughter has a way of instantly connecting people and is one of the most basic and fundamental ways in which we communicate as human beings. also, he says that laughter can increase confidence, self-esteem, creativity, positivity and resilience, bringing positive changes to all aspects of our lives.

the newport academy says that, when we laugh, we release endorphins and that makes our body feel instantly relieved from tension and worry. endorphins also reduce stress and strength social connections.

therefor, laughter is the best to combat anxiety and depression.