The Theme Of Coming Of Age In Literature

The Theme of Coming of Age in Literature

There comes a time is each person's life when they reach the point where they are no longer children, but adults. The transition from a child into a young adult is often referred to as the "coming of age," or growing up. The time when this transition occurs is different in everyone, since everyone is an individual and no two people are alike. Certain children reach this stage through a tragic, painful event which affects them to such extent that they are completely changed. Other children reach this time by simply growing older and having a better understanding of the world around them. The coming of age really is indefinite and cannot be marked in general overview. This stage in life is one of the most important and most popular themes in literature. The coming of age theme is found in one of the one of the best coming to age stories that have ever been written. Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird is a sensitive touching portrayal of a young boy who grows up through shocking yet realistic events. Although many people are only aware of the coming of age theme through literature and other forms of entertainment, there is also a very realistic part to this event in a person's life which is often ignored. The coming of age is an event which is often celebrated in many different cultures, through rituals or ceremonies. The rituals, also known as passage rites, mark the passing of a person from one stage of life to the next: birth, infancy, childhood, adulthood, old age, and death. The coming of age is celebrated along with birth, and death because it is known as a universal life crises. Evoking anxiety, these crises often elicit passage rites. Arnold Van Gennep stated that "Passage rituals have three steps: separation from society; inculcation-transformation; and return to society in the new status." (1995, Grolier Encyclopedia)

All passage rituals serve certain universal functions. "They serve to dramatize the encounter of new responsibilities, opportunities, dangers. They alleviate disruption in the equilibrium of the community. They affirm community solidarity, and the sacredness of common values." (1995, Grolier Encyclopedia)

In addition, cultures use initiation ceremonies to mark the transition...

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...uch. Through these touching, traumatic events, it is easy to see how one young care-free boy, turned into a young man full of rage, let down by the justice system. Harper Lee's story How To Kill A Mockingbird is a representation of reality, since, for Jem to grow up he had to face many heart wrenching conflicts which turned him into a young man. Harper Lee's story was indeed touching, realistic and unforgettable.

In conclusion, coming of age is an important and unique universal experience. Coming of age is a preferred theme among many authors , all over the world. Although it is a very popular theme, it is important not to forget the traditions and ceremonies behind it. This theme was beautifully portrayed by Harper Lee's novel To Kill A Mockingbird. Every child most come of age at some point in their lives, whether through a horrible ordeal, or by the passing of time, but what is most important is that you learn from it and carry it throughout your life. Always remember that everything that happens during a lifetime is important and happens for a reason. The process of coming of age is repeated throughout that lifetime, so take it and learn from it.