What Does It Mean To Grow Up? Elements Of Stories And Coming

What does it mean to grow up? Elements of stories and coming of age themes

The concept of growing up is a complex and multifaceted process that can be effectively explored through various elements of literature, including setting, symbolism, and characterization. These elements help deepen our understanding of the personal and societal implications of maturation, as well as how individuals navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood. In short stories, such as "A&P" by John Updike, "Boys and Girls" by Alice Munro, and "The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara, these aspects reveal profound insights into the meaning of growing up and the conflicts involved in that transition.

Setting plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of maturity by establishing the context within which characters develop. For example, in "Boys and Girls," the rural setting underscores traditional gender roles, which the protagonist begins to question as she matures. The environment influences her perception of gender expectations, signifying her transition from innocence to awareness. Similarly, symbolism functions as a powerful device for illustrating growth. In "The Lesson," the central symbol—Sylvia's encounter with the expensive, intricately detailed toy—represents the awakening to societal inequalities and the pangs of consciousness that accompany maturity. This symbol prompts a broader reflection on economic disparities, an integral aspect of growing up in a world full of contradictions.

Characterization enriches our comprehension of what it means to grow up by allowing us to observe internal conflicts, moral dilemmas, and shifts in identity. In "A&P," Sammy’s decision to stand against authority by quitting his job reveals a moment of moral awakening and personal assertion. His characterization highlights the tension between societal expectations and individual integrity, illustrating that maturation often involves making difficult choices. These elements collectively show that growing up entails an evolving understanding of oneself and one’s place within larger social structures.

Popular movies and TV shows addressing coming of age

A notable example of a film that explores the theme of coming of age is "The Breakfast Club" directed by John Hughes. This movie examines the different social stereotypes and personal struggles faced by teenagers during high school. It effectively answers the question, "What does it mean to grow up?" by illustrating that adolescence involves self-discovery, vulnerability, and the breaking down of superficial social barriers. The characters’ shared experiences and dialogues underscore the importance of empathy, self-awareness, and appreciating diverse perspectives, which are essential components of maturing.

This film demonstrates how growing up requires confronting one’s identity and navigating complex emotional terrains, aligning with the broader themes found in literature about maturity. Like the short stories, it emphasizes that maturation involves an awareness of societal expectations and personal values, often accompanied by temporary conflicts that foster growth. The characters' evolution throughout the movie reflects the ongoing journey toward self-understanding and acceptance.

Surprising or unexpected learnings in this module

An aspect of this module that was particularly surprising was the extent to which literary works portray the internal struggles of individuals facing moral and social dilemmas. I was unprepared for how deeply stories like "The Lesson" encapsulate social consciousness, revealing that maturity involves not only personal growth but also societal awareness. The idea that narratives serve as microcosms of larger social and cultural issues was enlightening, highlighting the importance of literature in understanding human development within societal contexts.

Illustrations of the ideas of this module in the literary works

"A&P" exemplifies the theme of moral awakening, where Sammy's act of defiance signals a coming-of-age moment characterized by the assertion of personal integrity. "Boys and Girls" highlights gender identity development amid societal expectations, demonstrating how internal conflict catalyzes maturity. "The Lesson" underscores social awareness, emphasizing that understanding social inequalities is a critical aspect of growing up. These works collectively illustrate that coming of age is a complex interplay of internal self-awareness and external societal forces, shaping individual identities.

References

• Updike, J. (1961). A&P. In The New Yorker. Retrieved from https://www.newyorker.com/
• Munro, A. (1971). Boys and Girls. Maclean’s Magazine.
• Bambara, T. C. (1972). The Lesson. In The Black Woman: An Anthology.
• Hughes, J. (1985). The Breakfast Club [Film].
• Entwistle, J. (2015). Integrating faith and learning: A worldview approach. InterVarsity Press.
• Johnson, E. L. (2010). Psychology and Christianity: Five Views. InterVarsity Press.
• McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counselling. Tyndale House.
• Leithart, P. J. (2014). What does it mean to grow up? First Things.
• Langston, L. K. (2012). Coming of age in film. Journal of Popular Film and Television.
• Harrington, H. (2017). Literary elements and their significance. Journal of Literary Studies.