The main character in Evan Hunter’s short story “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” initially believes that he was a member of the Royals, but later realizes that he hadn’t been himself, a guy named Andy. His change of understanding is revealed through the use of symbolism, dialogue, and thoughts.

Symbolism: “The jacket had only one meaning now, and that was a very simple meaning. If he had not been wearing the jacket, he wouldn’t have been stabbed. The knife had not been plunged in hatred of Andy. The knife hated only the purple jacket. The jacket was as stupid meaningless thing that was robbing him of his life.” The jacket symbolizes a relationship with the Royals which is a gang that is rivals with the Guardians, another gang. It also symbolizes the fake personality of Andy, something that isn’t really himself.

Dialogue:”’I’m Andy, he screamed wordlessly, I’m Andy”‘ After being stabbed Andy wanted to let the world know that he was Andy, not what was displayed on the purple jacket.

Thoughts: “Now, in the alley, with the cold rain washing his hot body, he wondered about the meaning. If he died, he was Andy. He was not a Royal. He was simply Andy, and he was dead. And he wondered suddenly if the Guardians who had ambushed him and knifed him had ever once realized he was Andy? Had they known that he was Andy or had they simply known that he was Royal wearing a purple silk jacket?” The main character wondered how other perceived him. Just a Royal, or Andy.