In the following literature selections, individuals experience rites of passage in various ways:
"The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell
"Oranges" by Gary Soto
from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
"First Lesson" by Phillip Booth (Standard course only)
"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins
"Hanging Fire" by Audre Lorde
from My Forbidden Face by Latifa
"The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst (Standard course only)
"My Brother's Keeper" by Jay Bennett
from Riding the Bus with my Sister by Rachel Simon (Foundations course only)
Choose at least two of the selections above and write about the rites of passage that individuals in the selections confront. Provide evidence by including names of characters as well as specific details from the text to support your claim.
Select the link to access the English Essay Rubric.
In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell, the main character is faced with a rite of passage when he realizes that he must make a choice between his love for Sheila Mant and his love for fishing. The protagonist, who remains unnamed, is a young boy who lives by a river and is passionate about fishing. He becomes infatuated with Sheila Mant, a girl who is older and more sophisticated than he is. One day, he has the opportunity to take Sheila on a boat ride and hopes to impress her with his fishing skills. However, he knows that if he tries to catch a big fish, the boat will tip and he will lose both the fish and Sheila's respect. This internal conflict represents his rite of passage as he must choose between his childhood love for fishing and the potential admiration of Sheila.
The story provides evidence of this rite of passage through specific details and dialogue. For example, the narrator describes his dilemma by saying, "I loved fishing. It was my rod and reel, my bait and fly and boats against the river. But I also loved Sheila with all my eyes and ears and breath." This shows the internal conflict he faces as he grapples with his competing passions. Additionally, the narrator describes the moment when he lets go of the fish he had caught to impress Sheila, stating, "I looked at the wonderful fish in the bottom of the boat and knew I could never do anything that dumb for someone else again." This shows that he has made the decision to prioritize his love for fishing over impressing Sheila, marking his rite of passage.
In "Oranges" by Gary Soto, the rite of passage that the young protagonist faces is his first romantic experience and the accompanying feelings of nervousness and anticipation. The story follows a boy who goes on a date with a girl he likes, and the narrative is filled with moments that highlight the rites of passage he encounters. The story takes place during winter, with snow covering the ground, which sets the stage for the protagonist's journey into adolescence.
Specific details from the text support this rite of passage. For example, when the protagonist buys the oranges for himself and the girl, he states, "I peeled my orange that was so bright against the gray of December that, from some distance, someone might have thought I was making a fire in my hands." This description symbolizes his growing sense of excitement and anticipation as he prepares for his date. Additionally, when the boy walks with the girl, he describes feeling "a tingling in my hands and [his] cheek", which shows his nervousness and the physical sensations that accompany his first romantic encounter. These details highlight the rite of passage the protagonist experiences as he navigates the complexities of young love.
In both "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" and "Oranges," the characters confront rites of passage that represent key moments in their transition from childhood to adolescence. Through specific details and character experiences, the authors effectively convey the challenges and growth that occur during these significant stages of life.
In the literature selections mentioned above, two of the selections that depict individuals experiencing rites of passage are "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell and "Oranges" by Gary Soto.
In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant," the protagonist, who remains unnamed, goes through a rite of passage as he navigates the complexities of adolescence and young love. The protagonist has a crush on Sheila Mant, a popular and attractive girl, and he sees a chance to impress her when they go on a boating trip. However, his love for fishing and his desire to catch a bass conflict with his wish to impress Sheila. The protagonist reaches a point where he must make a decision -- catch the bass and risk losing Sheila's interest, or let go of the fish to maintain the chance with Sheila. This moment represents his coming-of-age realization that he cannot please everyone and that he must prioritize his own desires. The text states, "I lifted the rod and almost had the fish to the boat when, with a flash, Sheila Mant stood up in the bow to stretch. There I was with two pounds of dead weight at the end of my line and no way to stop her."
In "Oranges," the main character, also unnamed, goes through a rite of passage as he experiences his first date with a girl named Linda. The story depicts the protagonist's nervousness, anticipation, and the journey he takes to ensure a memorable date. The text describes his actions, such as buying a chocolate bar, selecting a new orange from the fruit stand, and walking hand in hand with Linda, as he takes deliberate steps to impress her and create a special experience. This moment represents the protagonist's transition from childhood to adolescence, as he navigates the complexities of courtship and dating for the first time.
In both of these selections, the characters face important moments of growth and change. These rites of passage are significant as they shape their understanding of themselves and the world around them.