Everyone goes through the transition from childhood to adulthood. Boys become young men, and girls become young women; this is a significant stepping stone in the “journey to maturity.” Of course, becoming mature does not happen over night. Instead, it is a long process of learning from experience, which gives the young adult a new outlook on life and a new set of skills. The initiation theme is discussed in the article “Greasy Lake,” by critic Dennis Vanatta who argues that the author T.C. Boyle has created a narrator who is reflecting on his youth and an evening that would prove to be his stepping stone in the journey to maturity.
The memoir can be relatable to young adults, as young adults face many challenges growing up. Young adults face a plethora of issues and to know that they’re not alone , and somebody else faced the same problems or even worse problems ,may help the youth find this memoir relatable. The entire memoir is about Jeannette struggling of her irrational family. Jeanette family never stayed in one place and when they did the conditions were poor. Jeannette mentioned “Instead of beds, we kids each slept on a cardboard box, like the ones refrigerator get delivered in”.
The appeal of adulthood and independence reaches its apex in fervent children. However, Maria Mazziotti Gillan, poet of My Daughter at 14, Christmas Dance, 1981, conveys the paternal perspective of viewing one’s own kin experiencing the “real” world through her daughter’s first relationship. The Family of Little Feet, written by Sarah Cisneros, illuminates the negativities of young girl’s eagerness to physically develop in hope of acquiring attention from possible suitors. While both pieces of literature possess varying perspectives of epiphanies, Gillan and Cisneros divulge the significance of cherishing one’s youth, as the realities of maturity divest children of their innocence.
“There’s this warm coziness to the story, the characters, and the world. People like to spend time in that place,” Han says. “Everybody likes to feel young and think back on their own teenage-hood”( Oprah Daily). Jenny Han’s novels both inspire and resonate with so many equally simply because, for many, the teenage years are magical. There are young kids who are longing to become one, and for each, there is an adult who has so many memories of having been
Looking for Alibrandi is a novel about a teenage girl, and as the main character, she has a lot of what she calls ‘problems’ but they more like small speed bumps along the way and is struggling to cope with her teenager existence. Throughout Melina Marchetta’s gripping novel, Looking for Alibrandi, many characters face and retell the issues that make being a teenager just that much more difficult. Seventeen year old, Josephine Alibrandi struggles to cope with her strict Italian mother and grandmother, her family background, the ‘John Barton and the Ivy Lloyd’s of this world, and typical teenage problems like wanting a boyfriend and the pressure of just trying to fit in, until she faces some real issues that not every teen has to face. Including
It’s also her last year of high school and HSC year to add to everything else. Marchetta has created an individual representation in Josephine Alibrandi, finding her way, engaging the audience through the author’s construction of plot and teenage issues. Marchetta raises family and questions traditional ideas of what an ideal home life is. The book presents us many versions of family relationships; while are healthy (although still passionate that of Josie and Christina) the novel grasps fractured relationships.
“Marigolds”, a short story written by Eugenia Collier, conveys the message of the struggles upon approaching adulthood. Similar to “Marigolds”, Anne Estevis addresses the theme of maturity in the story known as “The Whistle”. The theme can be depicted by the character’s actions and realizations. However, the theme being set in the past, allows it to be pertinent to modern day life. The reasons being: children back then were burdened with more responsibilities, the maturation age was younger back then, and historical events and settings can provide symbolism yet, also personal connections.
Since Kristina’s mother and stepfather raise her baby, she is free to go about her life as a carefree teenager, and continues to snort, smoke, and inject crank, even though she has a newborn at home, which does not teach readers that she is forced to deal with the consequences of her actions (Hopkins, 536-537). Clearly, many parents have problems with the larger themes and messages in Crank, and YA literature in general, because of its mature and explicit content. Adults want to protect their child(ren) from the dangers of the outside world for as long as possible and novels like Crank threaten to subvert that desire, and expose adolescents to the dark, unpleasant, and disturbing side of life beyond soccer practice, dance class, and student council meetings. Because the entire novel, beginning with the first page and ending with the last, centers on Kristina’s drug use, and the havoc that unleashes after her addiction
Joyce Carol Oates’s, “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” is a short story that follows a teenage girl named Connie who is at a crossroads between childhood and adulthood. She encounters an unfamiliar man named Arnold Friend, who symbolizes the loss of innocence from the harsh realities of the adult world. In this paper, I will argue how Oates’s use of dramatic irony displays the vulnerability of young girls. Throughout the story, Connie is made vulnerable by being depicted as a typical teenage girl who craves attention and validation. Oates begins the story by describing Connie as a fifteen-year-old girl who “[H]ad a quick, nervous giggling habit of craning her neck to glance into mirrors or checking other people's faces to make sure her own was all right.”
Sandra Cisneros’ short story “Eleven”, poem “My Wicked Wicked Ways”, and book The House on Mango Street have many similarities and differences in terms of style, tone, theme, character and setting. In the short story “Eleven”, Sandra Cisneros manages to convey a powerful message about growing up from the perspective of an eleven year old. The story starts out with Rachel, the protagonist, who is turning eleven today. It starts out with her at school while she's in math class.
Sexuality in adolescence Sexuality is the most notorious and common sign of development in adolescence. “The House on Mango street”, by Sandra Cisneros is a coming of age novel, where Esperanza transitions from a girl into a young teen. In her journey, Esperanza comes across many challenges, she is forced to grow up by life’s adversities. In the short story “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid, a mother advises her daughter and scolds her into becoming a decent woman. In her guidance, the mother is worried about her daughter’s sexual activity and warns her about the consequences of improper behavior.
As teens go through adolescence, their interest in sex awakens. Connie, a fifteen-year-old girl, is discovering her sexuality and tries to exude sex appeal whenever she gets the chance. Whenever she is away from her family she exposes another side of herself, her mature, sexy side. In Joyce Carol Oates’s “Where are You Going, Where Have You Been?” the use of setting, characterization, and symbolism guide the reader to notice the theme of curiosity of sexuality in adolescents.
The disturbing and thought-provoking short tale was written by This story, which was first published in 1966, explores the subtleties of power relationships, fragility, and the loss of innocence. Oates investigates the shadowy side of human nature and the fine boundary between safety and danger via the heroine Connie's terrifying meeting with a mysterious stranger named Arnold Friend. The narrative follows Connie, a fifteen-year-old girl on the cusp of maturity in the 1960s. Connie is shown as a normal adolescent, torn between the restrictions of her home life and her longing for freedom.
In the coming of age story “Where Are You Going Where Have You Been?” Joyce Carol Oates uses symbolism, conflict, and the third person to foreshadow fifteen-year-old Connie’s unfortunate, yet untimely fate. While one may think that the conflict stems from Connie’s promiscuity, it is clear to see her promiscuity is only a result to a much bigger conflict, her mother’s constant nagging and disapproval, alongside the lack of attention from her father. the author paints a vivid picture of what happens when a fifteen-year-old girl such as Connie goes elsewhere to find to find the love, attention, and approval that she lacks at home. All which is vital for her growth and wellbeing as a person.
The most beautiful garden she has ever seen symbolizes Alice ideal of the adults’ world. Curiosity motivates her to access the garden.
