The excerpt above reflects the idea that Tom's faith is being tested.
Focus on the part of the quote, " - that it was vain to serve God, that God had forgotten him." Tom is questioning his faith, saying that his God had forgotten him, that it was vain to serve his God, and referencing his soul bitter thoughts.
Answer: 1. pay 2. dangerous 3. machines
Explanation:
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Implied message: in order to make your wife happy, buy her a Clean Sweep Turbo Vacuum.
"The man who was almost a man" speaks of Dave, who had conflicts with gaining recognition and respect, because he was young. He wanted to grow up and become a man. For this he bought a weapon, thinking that it would make him grow as a man. Seeking power, he buys this weapon, to feel powerful, unstoppable. All these conflicts of the dave age led him to make some bad decisions. The story well specifies this when he accidentally shoots a mule, and he cannot sustain the excuse he made up for it, and when he decides to take a train and go to a city where he would be able to man up.