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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper discusses the symbolism of the gun in this story. This paper seeks to determine if the gun is an effective catalyst for Dave's maturity, and where his decision to keep the gun takes him morally. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_GSMangun.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
has a great deal of symbolic meaning. The character of Dave in this story is a "typical" Southerner, and in this "typical" mindset believes it necessary to purchase
a gun. He believes it his right to own a gun, and that by having a gun he will feel more secure.
However, the reality and the irony of the situation is that this story really isnt about the gun at all, but about what the gun represents to
Dave. Daves real problem isnt about security or rights or anything else outside of himself. Daves problem is that he isnt secure on the inside, and therefore needs
the gun for his own self-image. Dave somehow has internalized the belief that if he gets a gun, then he
will be a "real" man. He likens ownership of the gun to something powerful and strong, but he doesnt realize that it isnt the gun which instills such qualities
in people, but its the people themselves. In other words, the gun isnt going to really help Dave to feel like more of a man - only Dave can
do that. Dave needs to understand himself well enough to determine that it is actually he who is flawed, and not society.
This is a very significant concept posed by the author, because it is prevalent in our society. So many young boys, like Dave, grow up defining themselves by
their outwardly appearance. Therefore, appearing tough and rugged and strong must make one those things, which of course it does not. Instead of being inwardly focused and able
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