.
At first glance, it looks like Mr. Hawkins is just a fairly nice fellow. However, when Dave inexplicably arrives early for work, this nice fellow just gives him more work to do (659). In a way, that's what you'd do with a beast of burden that exhibited extra energy and willingness to work. When it is revealed that Dave indeed shot the mule, Mr. Hawkins isn't emotional. He shows no sign of disappointment with Dave--he doesn't see him in those terms. He sees Dave as a mule. Therefore if he fires him it would be like shooting his own mule. Thus the point is to keep Dave working. Only now with out the pay he never sees. Making it that much harder to gain respect from his self or others. Dave senses this as well. That's why he talks about taking a goodbye shot at Mr. Hawkins "white house- to put a little fear in him (663). At least he would be reacting to him with a little human emotion and the fear would serve him right. .
The gun, to Dave, symbolizes, and even represents, manhood. Dave, of course, procures his desired weapon and finds himself burdened by the restitution he must pay for murdering the mule. Interestingly, the mule symbolizes true manhood, responsibility. Dave, not ready to grapple with this new responsibility decides to run away. Dave is fortified with the power and manliness that he sees in the gun. Yet it is this same object, which gives Dave the courage to face the unknown. In the moments preceding his heroic escape, Dave's stomach quivers while he has his hand on the gun. Just as Dave is about to jump on the train; "he gripped the gun tightly- (663). Finally, Dave jumps onto the train and, "he felt his pocket; the gun was still there-(663). An interesting question to consider, is would Dave have stayed on the train had he dropped the gun? Probably not, because we see Dave reassures himself, periodically, before jumping on the train by making sure he has the gun. .
In most stories the protagonist struggle with their situations and their conflict creates light along with the heat.
