Note: Your teacher will grade your response to ensure that you receive proper credit for your answer. Think about the rites of passage that individuals confront in the following literature: "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 "On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins "Hanging Fire" by Audre Lorde from My Forbidden Face by Latifa "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst "My Brother's Keeper" by Jay Bennett Describe some of these rites and the traits that help the individuals to survive and learn from their experiences.
In the literature mentioned, several characters face significant rites of passage that contribute to their personal growth and development. These rites often involve moments of self-discovery, coming-of-age, and learning valuable lessons. The traits that help these individuals survive and learn from their experiences vary but commonly include resilience, self-reflection, and a willingness to learn from their mistakes.
In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant," the protagonist is a young boy who learns the importance of staying true to oneself and prioritizing personal values. Through the symbolic act of fishing, he realizes that he cannot sacrifice his passions simply to impress others. His determination and ability to reflect on the situation contribute to his survival of this rite, allowing him to learn valuable lessons about self-acceptance and integrity.
In "Oranges," the main character navigates his first date, highlighting the rites of passage associated with adolescence and young love. He displays traits of innocence, kindness, and patience as he sets out to impress his date. Despite encountering obstacles, such as paying for the oranges and facing judgment from others, the protagonist's resilience and optimistic outlook help him overcome these challenges. Through this experience, he learns about the complexities of relationships and the importance of genuine connection.
In "First Lesson," the character embarks on a fishing trip with his father, marking a significant milestone in their father-son relationship. The character's dedication, attentiveness, and eagerness to learn from his father demonstrate his willingness to grow and adapt. Through this rite, he develops a newfound understanding of responsibility and the significance of familial bonds.
"On Turning Ten" explores the protagonist's apprehension about growing older. The character reflects on the loss of innocence and the challenges that come with maturing. By acknowledging and contemplating these emotions, the character demonstrates the ability to self-reflect and learn from personal experiences. This rite allows the individual to grasp the significance of time and appreciate the joys and sorrows that accompany every stage of life.
In "Hanging Fire," the young protagonist confronts the anxieties and uncertainties of adolescence. The character's resilience and ability to confront societal pressures, such as body image and peer expectations, contribute to their survival and growth. Despite the challenges faced, the character learns to assert themselves and seek support, realizing the importance of self-acceptance and finding their own voice.
In "The Scarlet Ibis," the older brother witnesses the suffering and eventual death of his disabled younger brother. This tragic event serves as a rite of passage that teaches the character about compassion, guilt, and the fragility of life. The individual's remorse and self-reflection contribute to their survival, leading to personal growth and an understanding of the importance of appreciating and valuing loved ones.
"My Brother's Keeper" explores the challenges of sibling relationships and the responsibilities that come with caring for others. The character's determination, compassion, and selflessness allow them to navigate the difficulties associated with their brother's illness. Through this rite, the individual learns about sacrifice, empathy, and the strength found in unity and support.
Overall, these characters survive and learn from their respective rites of passage by showing resilience, self-reflection, and a willingness to learn and grow. They demonstrate the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing personal values, and recognizing the value of relationships and empathy. These traits enable them to navigate challenging situations, develop self-awareness, and emerge stronger from their experiences.
"The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell:
In this story, the protagonist experiences a rite of passage as he navigates the complexities of young love and personal growth. The character's love for Sheila Mant, an older and more sophisticated girl, presents a challenge, particularly during a crucial fishing trip where he catches a large bass. The individual must weigh the conflicting desires of impressing Sheila and releasing the fish he has caught, ultimately making the difficult decision to let go of the bass. This act demonstrates the protagonist's character traits of compassion and maturity, as he prioritizes the well-being of the fish over his own ego, realizing the importance of empathy and understanding.
"Oranges" by Gary Soto from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou:
In this poem, the protagonist experiences a rite of passage as he embarks on a date with a girl he has a crush on for the first time. The character must muster the courage to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of a new romantic relationship. Throughout the poem, the individual exhibits traits of vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The experience teaches the character the value of taking risks, expressing emotions, and the importance of genuine connection with others.
"First Lesson" by Phillip Booth:
This poem explores the rite of passage of learning to swim. The individual confronts their fears and insecurities as they are taught how to swim by their father. The character displays traits of resilience, determination, and trust, relying on their father's guidance and support. Through this experience, the individual learns not only how to swim but also gains a deeper understanding of themselves, their capabilities, and their relationship with their father.
"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins:
In this poem, the individual reflects on the rite of passage of growing older and the loss of childhood innocence. The character contemplates the bittersweet feelings associated with leaving behind the carefree nature of childhood and taking on the responsibilities and complexities of adulthood. The experience prompts self-reflection and introspection, as the individual grapples with the passage of time. The traits of introspection, contemplation, and emotional depth enable the character to navigate the transition and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
"Hanging Fire" by Audre Lorde from My Forbidden Face by Latifa:
This poem explores the rite of passage of adolescence and the challenges faced by a teenage girl as she confronts issues such as sexuality, identity, and societal pressures. The character exhibits traits of vulnerability, confusion, and a desire for self-expression. The poem delves into the experience of feeling isolated and misunderstood, while also highlighting the strength and resilience needed to face these struggles. Through this rite of passage, the character gains a greater understanding of the complexity of their own identity and the necessity of finding inner strength amidst external pressures.
"The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst:
In this short story, the individual experiences a rite of passage through their complex relationship with their disabled younger brother. The character grapples with feelings of embarrassment, resentment, and eventual guilt as they struggle to accept and help their brother, who has physical limitations. Through emotional growth and self-reflection, the individual learns the importance of unconditional love, acceptance, and empathy. The story showcases the character's transformation from self-centeredness to compassion and demonstrates the transformative power of love and self-sacrifice.
"My Brother's Keeper" by Jay Bennett:
This story explores the rite of passage of sibling relationships and the challenges faced by the protagonist as they strive to protect their younger brother. The character displays traits of maturity, responsibility, and loyalty as they navigate a series of difficult situations, including physical confrontations and societal expectations. The experience prompts self-reflection and a deepening bond with their brother, teaching the character the importance of familial connection, sacrifice, and unconditional love.
Overall, these rites of passage illustrate the diverse challenges individuals face in literature, including personal growth, self-discovery, emotional maturation, and the development of empathy and understanding. Each character's unique set of traits helps them to survive and learn from their experiences, enabling them to navigate these rites of passage and emerge stronger and more enlightened.
To describe the rites of passage in the literature mentioned and the traits that help individuals survive and learn from their experiences, you can start by reading each of the works and analyzing the specific events and character developments within them. Here's how you can gather the necessary information for your response:
1. "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell:
- Read the story and identify the key events or moments that can be considered a rite of passage.
- Pay attention to the main character's traits or qualities that contribute to his survival and learning.
2. "Oranges" by Gary Soto from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou:
- Read the poem and look for instances that reflect a rite of passage.
- Consider the protagonist's traits or actions that aid in his survival and learning.
3. "First Lesson" by Phillip Booth:
- Read the poem and identify any rites of passage described within it.
- Examine the character's traits or mindset that contribute to his ability to survive and learn.
4. "On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins:
- Read the poem and look for indications of a rite of passage.
- Focus on the protagonist's traits or introspection that help him navigate and learn from the experience.
5. "Hanging Fire" by Audre Lorde from My Forbidden Face by Latifa:
- Read the poem and seek out the rites of passage depicted.
- the character's traits, emotions, or actions that enable her to survive and gain understanding.
6. "The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst:
- Read the short story and identify the significant rites of passage.
- Pay attention to the main character's traits or decisions that impact his survival and learning.
7. "My Brother's Keeper" by Jay Bennett:
- Read the story and recognize the rites of passage presented.
- Analyze the character's traits or attitudes that contribute to his survival and learning.
After gathering this information, you can describe the rites of passage in each literary work along with the specific traits or qualities that help the individuals survive and learn from their experiences. Remember to provide evidence from the text to support your analysis.