Similarities Between Looking For Alibrandi And Planet P

“ If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.” This suggests that it is only through difficult situations that one can grow in maturity. This is particularly appropriate in adolescence. Adolescence is one of the most demanding junctures in one’s life. Difficult situations and relationships with people during that stage will influence an individual’s sense of self. Frequently, overcoming obstacles will enable people to grow but at other times have a pessimistic aftermath. Two texts that explore the concept of searching for identity are Melina Marchetta’s novel Looking for Alibrandi and Jessica Kean’s poem ‘Planet P’. In both texts the adolescent protagonist develops the relationship with others, through which the challenging events occur

Changing and growing aspects of adolescence are portrayed by the persona, and are comparable to Josie. These features are explained mainly through the issue of appearance and image, the pressure on adolescents to conform. The composer uses metaphor, rhyme and questions to emphasise these ideas. Initially, the title ‘Planet P’ metaphorically implicate subtly, continued with the words’ touch down’ in the first line that puberty is a time that is unknown and foreign that happens to everyone. Furthermore, the use of rhyming couplets “thin, sinned”, “face, disgrace” reveals a predictable, simple rhyming pattern, which creates a fluent rhythm tone, signifying that adolescence is unavoidable and follow the similar pattern for everyone. Moreover, the composer uses rhetorical questions, ‘that magazine do torture you?” the emotive language indicates the widespread feeling of individual as confronting the puberty. The poem engages several setbacks of adolescence, as the composer finishing the poem with a matter-of-fact tone that suggests that growing up is never easy. Overall, although Josie achieved understanding and acceptance of adolescence, the persona in the poem hasn’t achieved the true essence of youth. However, the ultimate sentence “you’d better cope”, reinforces that puberty is universally tough, but still need to get on the right track and consistently adjust