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In genre studies, a coming-of-age story is a genre of literature, theatre, film, and video game that focuses on the growth of a protagonist from childhood to adulthood, or "coming of age". Coming-of-age stories tend to emphasize dialogue or internal monologue over action and are often set in the past. The subjects of coming-of-age stories are ...
- Definition
- Examples of Coming-Of-Age Novels
- Related Literary Terms
- Other Resources
A coming-of-age novelfollows a character as they age from childhood to adulthood or while they go through an important series of events that define their understanding of the world. The character is likely to go through emotional changes influenced by what they’ve seen and experienced. For example, a coming-of-age novel might follow a young boy as ...
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most famous coming-of-age stories within the oeuvreof American literature. The book is told by the six-year-old Jean Louise Finch during the Great Depression in Alabama. It follows Jean Louise Finch, who goes by the nickname Scout, as she learns about contemporary society. This includes becoming fascinated with “Boo,” a reclusive neighbor. Her father, Atticus, is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man who’s been unfairly accused of raping Mayella Ewe...
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson was published in 1962 and was the author’s final work. It’s written from the perspective of Mary Katherine Blackwood, who goes my “Merricat.” She lives in Vermont after experiencing a tragedy that separated her and her sister and uncle from the rest of their village. Uncle Julian’s writings serve as the reader’s insight into what happened previous to the present moment. Throughout the novel, the protagonistcomes to terms with what happened...
Go Tell It On the Mountain by James Baldwin
Go Tell It On the Mountainby James Baldwin is a semi-autobiographical story. It follows John Grimes, a teen living in 1930s Harlem. Much of the novel is focused on the role of the church in the lives of African Americans, the positive and the negative. The book has been ranked as one of the best English-language novels of the 20th century. The entire story takes place within a 24-hour period. Here is a quote:
Apologue: a short story, sometimes a fable, that shares a morallesson. For example, kindness is more important than power, or love triumphs over hate.Drama: a mode of storytelling that uses dialogueand performance. It’s one of several important literary genres that authors engage with.Read: The 50 Greatest Coming-of-Age NovelsRead: Great Expectations by Charles DickensListen: Characteristics of Coming of Age StoriesApr 15, 2023 · Coming-of-Age Stories Defined. A coming-of-age story is a genre of literature, theatre, film, and video games that centers around the growth and development of a protagonist from childhood to adulthood, also known as “coming of age”. These stories often emphasize dialogue or internal monologue rather than action and are frequently set in the past.
Jan 15, 2024 · 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.
Aug 19, 2012 · Coming Of Age. Most scholars agree on a standard definition of the coming-of-age narrative: the coming-of-age narrative: Simply put, it follows the development of a child or adolescent into adulthood. The roots of this narrative theme can be traced back to the bildungsroman, or “formation novel.”
Nov 21, 2023 · Updated: 11/21/2023. Table of Contents. What Is a Coming-of-Age Story? Classic Coming of Age Novels. Other Coming of Age Examples. Lesson Summary. Frequently Asked Questions. What is the...
5 days ago · A coming-of-age novel is a genre of literature that depicts the maturation of a protagonist from adolescence to adulthood. It differs from a fully developed Bildungsroman in that it focuses on the crises of late adolescence, such as courtship, sexual initiation, and career choice. See examples, definitions, and related terms in Oxford Reference.
