Final answer:
John's character exemplifies the theme of growing up through his focused concern for another despite natural threats, indicating his maturity and acceptance of the difficult circumstances he faces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character of John in the story shows that growing up means dealing with the circumstances you are given, even if they are scary or difficult.
In the excerpt from Water Never Hurt a Man, we see that despite the sudden flash of lightning, John chooses to focus on the well-being of another driver boy, demonstrating maturity and responsibility. His disregard for the thunder indicates his acceptance and resilience in the face of natural elements, which can be intimidating or challenging. This behavior exemplifies the theme that personal growth often requires facing fears and overcoming adversities inherent to life's circumstances.