The main character in Evan Hunter’s short story entitled “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” Initially believes that being a royal is something he is proud of, and a little cut is not something that would cause him to die. However, as the story progresses, he understands that his life is quickly passing away because of his identity as a royal. His changing understanding is revealed through the use of symbolism, characterization, and setting.

 

Some examples of this are the jacket (representing his identity as a royal), the people that passed by (representing hope and despair), and Laura (representing Andy’s future).