In The Man Who Was Almost a Man, consider Dave’s original goals for buying the pistol and what ultimately happens.  His aspirations to become a man backfire on him terribly, resulting in him becoming the laughing stock of the town. Later, he has something of an epiphany, resolving to find a place that will respect him.  Ask yourself how his original plans conclude in failure and later drive him to press on. What does this show us about an adolescent’s drive to be treated as an adult? How does he falter and keep pressing on? Make a sentence that sums up this path that many teens take.