The main character Andy in Evan Hunter’s short story entitled “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” initially believes it was his honor for being a member of the group; however, he later realizes that it is more important to stay true to yourself as an individual. By the time he realized it was late, death was already imminent. The change of his beliefs was revealed by his actions, omniscient point of view, and symbols.
Action: “It seemed very important to him that he take off the purple jacket. He was very close to dying, and when they found him, he did not want them to say, “Oh, it’s a royal.” … But he suirmed and fought and twisted until one arm was free and then the other. He rolled away from the jacket and lay quite still…Rain is sweet, I’m Andy.” (Hunter 6-7) This quote was after noticing how his life was cost by the purple jacket and how he took it off.
Omniscient point of view: “…There had been some sort of pride in knowing he was a Royal. Now there was no pride at all…He could only think: I wanted to be Andy.”(6). The change of thoughts of how he used to think that there was pride, and after the incident and at last few moments of his life, he hated the purple jacket.
Theme: Stereotypes cause misunderstandings among people.