The main character in Evan Hunter’s short story entitled “On the Sidewalk Bleeding” initially believes that it is not shameful as a member of the Royals. Still, later he understands that no one would be there to aid and support him when he had an accident because of stereotypes. His changing understanding is revealed through actions, self-reflection, and symbolism in On the Sidewalk Bleeding story.

Actions: “He tried to speak. He tried to move. He tried to crawl toward the doorway. He tried to make a noise, a sound, and a grunt came, a low animal grunt of pain.” This quote showed Andy’s action when he was desired to survive the pain after being stabbed by someone.

Self-reflection: “He felt the pain tearing at his stomach when he moved. If he never did another thing, he wanted to take off the jacket. The jacket had only one meaning now, and that was a straightforward meaning.” The quote reveals that Andy finally recognized that he had to take the jacket off or nobody would assist him and call the cop. Thus, it is a way of self-reflection.

Symbolism: “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 a stupid, meaningless thing that was robbing him of his life.” This quote exposes that the purple jacket that Andy was wearing symbolized the Royals, a gang that almost everyone abhors in the story, which abetted him getting stabbed by someone.