Coming-of-Age Story in Literature & Literary Theory

Coming-of-Age Story: Etymology, Meanings and Concept

Coming-of-Age Story:

The term “coming-of-age” originates from the mid-20th century, combining “coming” to signify the transition and “age” to represent a stage of life. A coming-of-age story typically explores the psychological and moral growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood. These narratives often depict the challenges, experiences, and self-discoveries that shape an individual’s identity and worldview during their formative years.

Meanings and Concept:

• Transition to Adulthood:
  • Coming-of-age stories focus on the protagonist’s journey from adolescence to adulthood, highlighting the challenges and rites of passage that accompany this transition.
• Identity Formation:
  • These narratives delve into the process of identity formation, examining how characters develop a sense of self through experiences, relationships, and self-reflection.
• Loss of Innocence:
  • Often, coming-of-age stories involve a loss of innocence as characters confront the complexities of the adult world, facing difficult truths and making decisions that shape their maturity.
• Personal Growth and Development:
  • The central theme revolves around personal growth, as protagonists navigate life’s complexities, learn from mistakes, and acquire the skills and wisdom necessary for adulthood.
• Rites of Passage:
  • Coming-of-age stories frequently incorporate traditional rites of passage or symbolic events that mark a character’s entry into a new phase of life.
• Cultural and Social Context:
  • The concept is shaped by cultural and social contexts, reflecting the values, norms, and expectations of a particular society during a specific period.
• Universal Themes:
  • While the specifics vary, the universal themes of self-discovery, independence, and the pursuit of one’s identity make coming-of-age stories relatable across diverse cultures and time periods.
• Literary and Cinematic Examples:
  • Notable examples include J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye,” Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and films like “Stand by Me” and “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” all exploring the complexities of growing up.
• Narrative Tension:
  • The tension in these stories often arises from the conflicts between youthful idealism and the harsh realities of adulthood, creating a dynamic narrative arc.
• Catharsis and Reflection:
  • Coming-of-age narratives often conclude with a sense of catharsis, as characters reflect on their growth and the transformative journey they have undertaken.

Coming-of-Age Story: Definition as a Literary Device

A coming-of-age story is a genre in literature and film that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of a protagonist as they navigate the challenges and experiences of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. These narratives typically revolve around the protagonist’s self-discovery, identity formation, and the loss of innocence. The term underscores the transformative journey and rites of passage that characters undergo during their formative years, reflecting universal themes of personal growth and the complexities of entering adulthood.

Coming-of-Age Story: Examples in Everyday Life

1. First Job/Internship:
   • Learning workplace dynamics, responsibility, and time management.
2. College Move:
   • Gaining independence, adapting to new environments, and broadening perspectives.
3. Solo Travel:
   • Confronting challenges independently, making decisions, and interacting with diverse cultures.
4. Overcoming Challenges:
   • Personal growth through facing and overcoming adversity.
5. Volunteering:
   • Developing empathy, responsibility, and a sense of purpose through community service.

Coming-of-Age Story in Literature: Shakespearean Examples

1. “Romeo and Juliet”:
   • Coming-of-age unfolds through the intense love between Romeo and Juliet, revealing their emotional growth as they navigate the challenges of family conflict, secret romance, and tragic consequences.
2. “Hamlet”:
   • Hamlet’s coming-of-age is marked by his journey from mourning to self-discovery. The play explores his grappling with existential questions, moral complexities, and the consequences of seeking revenge.
3. “As You Like It”:
   • Rosalind’s coming-of-age is evident in her transformation from a banished courtier to a wise and confident woman. The play explores themes of love, identity, and personal growth as Rosalind navigates the complexities of life and relationships in the Forest of Arden.

Coming-of-Age Story in Literature: Examples

1. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:
   • Holden Caulfield’s rebellion against societal norms and his journey of self-discovery, portraying the complexities of adolescence.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
   • Scout Finch’s maturation as she witnesses racial injustice and moral dilemmas, gaining a deeper understanding of empathy and morality.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky:
   • Charlie’s coming-of-age, explored through letters, touching on themes of friendship, love, mental health, and the challenges of high school.
4. The Bildungsroman by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:
   • Wilhelm Meister’s apprenticeship and personal growth across various vocations, relationships, and artistic pursuits in this classic German coming-of-age novel.
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain:
   • Huck Finn’s moral development and rejection of societal norms as he journeys down the Mississippi River with Jim, a runaway slave, emphasizing personal freedom and justice.

Coming-of-Age Story in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories

Book	Relevant Literary Theories
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger	– Psychoanalytic Theory: Holden’s struggles and identity formation.
	– Marxist Theory: Analysis of social class and Holden’s disdain for affluence.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee	– Feminist Theory: Exploration of gender roles through characters like Scout.
	– Critical Race Theory: Examination of racial injustice in the American South.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky	– Psychological Theory: Insights into Charlie’s mental health and adolescence.
	– Queer Theory: Exploration of LGBTQ+ themes through the characters.
The Bildungsroman by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe	– Reader-Response Theory: Emphasis on the reader’s interpretation of Wilhelm Meister’s experiences.
	– Postcolonial Theory: Examination of colonial elements in the novel’s exploration of vocations and cultures.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain	– New Historicism: Analysis of the novel’s depiction of pre-Civil War Southern society.
	– Deconstructionist Theory: Exploration of subverted racial stereotypes and complex narrative structure.

Coming-of-Age Story in Literature: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Bildungsroman	A novel focusing on the protagonist‘s growth and maturation.
Rite of Passage	Ceremonial events marking a character’s transition to adulthood.
Identity Formation	The process of developing a sense of self and individuality.
Adolescence	The transitional phase between childhood and adulthood.
Initiatory Theme	Central motif involving a character’s initiation into a new stage.
Epiphany	A sudden realization or understanding that leads to personal growth.
Inner Conflict	Psychological struggles experienced by a character during growth.
Morality Tale	Narrative emphasizing moral lessons and ethical choices.
Rebellion Against Norms	Protagonist’s defiance of societal expectations and conventions.
Self-Discovery	The journey to understand one’s own character, values, and beliefs.

Coming-of-Age Story in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street. Vintage, 1984.
2. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2006.
3. Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company, 1951.
4. Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Dover Publications, 1994.
5. Von Goethe, Johann Wolfgang. Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship. Penguin Classics, 1995.