Question: In "A Verb to Kill", why do the girls feel like they need to prove their courage to a complete stranger? More or less someone who might kill them in which their courage would be irrelevant?

Thesis: In the short story "A Verb To Kill", the two main characters want to prove their courage to a possible "serial killer". This is because of their want for independence from their society and family. Not only this, but they also have a desire to feel safe around a potential killer. Proving their courage to that man serves just that.