Adolescence, when brought into the adult world have many questions, concerns and inexperience. In the coming of age stories “The Grave”, “The Intruder”, and “Through the Tunnel”, each protagonist experiences a moment that involves transitioning into the adult world. The reason for coming of age stories is to give different examples of how one must become an adult. Details in coming of age stories are what lets the reader understand the adult world the character perceives it as. Coming of age stories select specific details to indicate certain imagery to enhance symbols that involve the character experiencing the adult world. A mistake in an adolescence time of life can show how they will perceive it as they transition into a new step
In order to illustrate a key stage in the life course, I will be looking at the area of adolescence because I believe that this is one of the most critical life stages, with so many immense transitions young people go through. I have chosen to focus on adolescence because of a commitment to working with these vulnerable individuals aged from 14 to 19. We can no doubt all reflect on wrong choices we felt we made in our adolescence, and how our education and employment prospects may have benefited from good advice at this crucial juncture in life. I want to be able to guide vulnerable adolescents in the right direction and help them make the right choices, by understanding their needs, and supporting them in practical ways to live fulfilling and independent lives. From personal experience, I sincerely believe that with the right kind of guidance and attention, troubled teenagers can get back on track.
The transition from childhood to adolescence is a difficult process with many obstacles. In Doris Lessing’s short story, “Through the Tunnel”, this idea is expressed when Jerry decides to leave the safe beach and play in the rocky bay. He strives to be like the older boys, but he can only do that when he matures enough. In Doris Lessing’s “Through the Tunnel,” the author demonstrates the many obstacles present in going from childhood to adolescence using symbolism and imagery.
Benjamin Alire Saenz in his novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of The Universe, John Knowles in his novel A Separate Peace, and Sarah Ladipo Manyika in her article “Coming of Age In The Time Of The Hoodie”, demonstrate that coming of age involves a loss of innocence.
The term “coming of age” does not always refer to the obvious state of adulthood. It does not always coincide with society’s definition of an adult and adduces more to the psychological and moral growth of an individual. In life, experiences and influences are said to be the factors that help in developing ones character. Things that on the surface may not seem to have lasting effects are usually the most impressionable of situations. Though personality traits derived from cultural experiences are often seen early on in life, they can continue to develop and evolve even into adulthood. And it is in adulthood where realizations are made subsequently due to these very situations. It is also apparent that age does not always commensurate with maturity, for with maturity comes understanding. Influences also play a major role in a person’s character development. Influences also can affect temperament, personality, disposition, motivation, and initial perspectives and reactions. This sagaciousness was thoroughly expressed in the novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. This novel delved extensively into the coming of age of main character Macon “Milkman” Dead.
In many cultures, coming of age is often celebrated because children become young adults who grasp self-awareness and accountability. At the same time, childhood is threatened by responsibility, which is dreaded because there is an unpredictable world of adulthood waiting with no guarantees. James Hurst demonstrates the journey of growing up through life experiences everyone goes through in the short story, “The Scarlet Ibis”. Throughout his use of mood, setting, and symbolism, Hurst shows that maturing requires reflecting on past experiences and losing innocence, which then can transform one’s outlook on life.
14 kids have sealed themselves in a superstore as a freak hailstorm and serious chemical weapons spill threaten to bring the world to its knees. Once brothers Alex and Dean establish a sense of security, they find that their only chance of rescue is to drive 67 miles across the now deadly state of Colorado to the nearest airport for evacuation. Dean and the others with type O bloods decide to stay behind because the poisoned air outside would turn them into savage rage-fueled monsters.
Coming of Age has been the focus of this year’s English Class. Throughout every novel, poem, essay, and vignette, Coming of Age has been the circled-over and highlighted theme. As we analyzed each text for this motif, I found that every author had a different interpretation of what it means to come of age. So, as an active writer and reader, I have also developed my own beliefs as to what it means to be a Come of Age. In my opinion, Coming of Age means losing your innocence and taking on newfound responsibility.
The transition from childhood to adulthood is a very essential stage of human development. This stage is when the child leaves their roles as a child and takes on new positions and responsibilities. John Updike, author of “A&P”, writes stories of initiation. In this short story, “A&P” you meet a young protagonist, Sammy, who experiences the change from being a youthful child to the start of his journey to become a mature adult. The story takes place just like any other day for Sammy working as a cashier for A&P. However, after certain events that happen in the store Sammy realizes a major change not only with himself but his confusion of entering adulthood. The two themes I will discuss from the short story “A&P” are power of desire fueled by attraction and the dull conformity of many hometowns.
Integrated physician model is a chain of partnerships between hospitals and physicians that have developed over time (Harrison, J. P. (2016). These partnerships are connected through common goals to provide coordinated care to a patient throughout the whole continuum of care. One of the goals is to make care safer and better coordinate of patient transitions from hospitals to other settings (cms.gov) All physicians come together are integrated into the joint venture, from home care to hospitals to long-term nursing homes, clinic, outpatient surgery etc. Integrated physician model is a partnership amongst physicians.
Coming of age stories are a very relatable genre of literature. The underlying plot line in coming of age stories involve the main character, an adolescent, experiencing a pivotal event that changes their point-of-view on life (Peyette, n.d.). The event marks the adolescent’s transition into adulthood. The event can often be referred to as initiation. The stories are thought provoking and interesting to read because they contain numerous underlying messages and themes that can serve as tools to understanding life. In the coming of age stories “The Old People”, “Doe Season”, and “The Grave” the imagery of blood is portrayed in a more positive light in the story focusing on a male character than in the stories focusing on female characters.
Childhood is a time where children learn about the world around themselves. They see and experience many factors that influence their everyday lives, which help them grow stronger when they become adults. In “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid and “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara the characters within the stories learn valuable lesson with help them grow to become better individuals. In “The Lesson” the character of Sugar undergoes a realization that society does not treat everyone equally, that not every individual has the same opportunity and equality that they should have. In “Girl” the main character learns that she must be perceived as a woman and not as a slut, her
Childhood is a time where children learn about the world around themselves. They see and experience many factors that influence their everyday lives, which help them grow stronger when they become adults. In 'Girl'; by Jamaica Kincaid and 'The Lesson'; by Toni Cade Bambara the characters within the stories learn valuable lesson with help them grow to become better individuals. In 'The Lesson'; the character of Sugar undergoes a realization that society does not treat everyone equally, that not every individual has the same opportunity and equality that they should have. In 'Girl'; the main character learns that she must be perceived as a woman and not as a slut, her mother brings to her
Many underestimate the power that a singular event possesses and the extent at which it can alter one’s mindset. Often times a shift in the method of thinking and processing information, the act which drives our entire being, signifies a “coming of age”. Reaching a pivotal moment in time where not only do those around you recognize the transformation, but you also fully embrace the alteration. In layman's terms, transitioning out of childhood conjures thoughts and ideas that evolve from the foundation of one’s life. For me, the potent mixture of a short-lived period of blissful innocence and a pressurized home environment led to the culmination of a desire to succeed.
Most of the time, becoming an adult is planned. There are religious ceremonies, the gaining of a driver’s license, and other forms of new responsibility to signify the coming of age. Sometimes though maturity comes at you like a freight train. It comes at you in the blink of an eye and there is no stopping it once it hits you. You are forced to grow up and take on new responsibilities that you thought you wouldn’t have to take on until many years later. It's up to you though to decide what to do from there. You can either try and run away from the problems you have come to face or you can take the train head on and conquer what has been presented to you. I decided to face the train.
Abraham Lincoln said, “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” Often times in our society young people push off responsibilities, it's easy to do. Technology and other innovations have made it convenient for us to become distracted and to push things off. However when growing up, sometimes taking responsibility cannot be avoided. In coming of age stories, the author uses symbolism to exemplify how the protagonists experience new independence and responsibility while they transition from childhood to adulthood.