Analyze "gumption" in terms of plot

Langston Hughes's stories deal with and serve as a commentary of conditions befalling African Americans during the Depression Era. As Ostrom explains, "To a great degree, his stories speak for those who are disenfranchised, cheated, abused, or ignored because of race or class." (51) Hughes's stories speak of the downtrodden African-Americans neglected and overlooked by a prejudiced society. The recurring theme of powerlessness leads to violence is exemplified by the actions of Sargeant in "On the Road", old man Oyster in "Gumption", and the robber in "Why, You Reckon?" 

Hughes's "On the Road" explores what happens when a powerless individual takes action on behalf of his conditions. The short story illustrates the desperation and consequent violent actions of one man's homeless plight on a snowy winter evening.

because of all the immigration, america became one big melting pot. the diversity of cultures from all over the world made america somewhat divided as well. people that immigrated stayed with their kind, and their traditions, while native born americans stayed with their kind and their traditions. normally, people born in american scorned the immigrants as well. the new religions also divided america. in summary, it took away from the american culture and identified america as the "melting pot."

answer; (external conflict)