Student Question

What thesis could be written for Richard Wright's "A Man Who Was Almost a Man"?

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A thesis for Richard Wright's "A Man Who Was Almost a Man" could explore how societal standards determine maturity, comparing past and present perceptions. The narrative's depiction of a 17-year-old legally purchasing a gun contrasts sharply with modern views, prompting an analysis of which era's maturity criteria are more logical. This approach highlights the evolving nature of societal expectations regarding youth and adulthood.

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Perhaps a comparison and commentary on how society determines when a young person is "mature" would suffice. The idea of a 17-year-old boy purchasing a gun (legally) is unthinkable today, but didn't seem out of the ordinary in the story. In your analysis, include which era's approach to determining maturity makes more sense.

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