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 Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell, the main character faces a rite of passage as he navigates his first crush and wrestles with his love for fishing. Through the course of the story, he learns the importance of compromise and the sacrifices one must make when choosing between two passions.
In "Oranges" by Gary Soto, the protagonist experiences a rite of passage when he takes a girl on a date for the first time. The traits that help him navigate this milestone include courage, a willingness to take risks, and a mature sense of responsibility.
Maya Angelou's memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, explores various rites of passage throughout her life. From her childhood experiences of racism and sexual trauma to her journey towards self-discovery and finding her voice, Angelou displays resilience, determination, and the ability to learn and grow from her experiences.
"First Lesson" by Phillip Booth depicts a father teaching his son how to fish. The rite of passage here lies in the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next. The son learns patience, attentiveness, and respect for nature, all of which are important traits for survival and growth.
"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins discusses the transition from childhood to adolescence. The speaker reflects on the loss of innocence, the realization of mortality, and the bittersweet emotions that come with growing up. The ability to reflect, accept change, and adapt are the traits that help navigate this rite of passage.
In "Hanging Fire" by Audre Lorde, the speaker reflects on the challenges of adolescence, including body image issues, isolation, and a lack of guidance. Despite these difficulties, the speaker displays resilience, introspection, and a determination to find her own path and identity.
In the memoir My Forbidden Face by Latifa, the author recounts her experiences growing up under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The rite of passage depicted is the struggle for freedom and empowerment amidst oppressive conditions. Traits such as courage, resilience, and adaptability are crucial for survival and personal growth in this context.
"The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst portrays the narrator's journey towards understanding the consequences of his actions and the value of unconditional love. Through the tragic death of his disabled brother, the narrator learns empathy, compassion, and the importance of appreciating those in his life.
"My Brother's Keeper" by Jay Bennett examines the complexities of sibling relationships and the challenges of accepting responsibility for another person's well-being. The protagonist learns the importance of compassion, sacrifice, and unconditional support for family, traits that are essential for personal growth and navigating difficult situations.