Coming of Age Literature: Mr Medinger's Post for 9th Advanced English Students

A "coming-of-age" story is a a type of modern literature devoted to that period between the last of childhood and the beginning of young adulthood. Since Mark Twain first came out with that great classic, Huckleberry Finn, this kind of story has become popular in literature and movies, like The Breakfast Club or The Secret Life of Bees. I'm sure you have seen some recent movies that demonstrate this theme.

Because the main protagonist undergoes adventures and situations he must conquer (as in the short story we just read, "Up the Slide"), or inner turmoil in his development as a human being, the best stories carry a theme of personal redemption brought about by facing conflict--in situations often created by adults and unfairly perpetrated upon the main character, as in the novel we'll begin reading, Holes.

In this type of story, characters must deal with the reality of cruelty in the world, with intentionally evil adults, with violence, death, racism, and hatred--while others deal with family, friends, or community issues. It is a type of novel where the protagonist may be initiated into adulthood through knowledge, experience, or both, often through a process of disillusionment. Understanding comes after the dropping of preconceptions, possibly the destruction of a false sense of security, or in some way the loss of innocence. Some of the shifts that take place are these:

* ignorance to knowledge
* innocence to experience
* limited or naive view of world to a more comprehensive view
* idealism to realism
* immature responses to mature responses
* dependence on others for care, and self-centered responses, to acceptance of responsibility for caring about others, and compassionate responses

Several you may enjoy reading include:

1. A Separate Peace
The story of a young teenager returning to school after the death of his best friend, and attempting to come to a resolution with his anger and sense of betrayal.

2. Catcher in the Rye (We'll be reading portions of this one)
First published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, details 48 hours in the life of Holden Caulfield. The novel's history has been colorful and controversial.

3. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is now considered an essential part of American literature. As an indispensable classic, Betty Smith's book appears on reading lists across the country. It has profoundly influenced readers from all walks of life--young and old alike. The New York Public Library even chose the book as one of the "Books of the Century."

4. To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, depicts the story of a young girl, Jean Louise "Scout" Finch. The novel was popular at the time of its publication, though the book has also encountered censorship battles. It was made into a successful movie.

5. The Red Badge of Courage
When The Red Badge of Courage was first published in 1895, Stephen Crane was a struggling American writer of 23. This book made him famous. Crane tells the tale of a young man who is traumatized by his experience in the Civil War. He hears the crash/roar of battle, sees the men dying all around him, and feels the cannons throwing out their deadly projectiles. It's the story of a young man growing up in the midst of death and destruction, with his whole world turned upside down.

6. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
by Mark Twain. Originally published in 1884, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is the journey of a young boy (Huck Finn) down the Mississippi River. Huck encounters thieves, murderers, and various adventures. But, along the way, he also grows up. He makes observations about other people, and he develops a friendship with Jim, a runaway slave.