Coming of Age
There comes a time in each person’s life when they reach a point in which they are no longer children, but adults. The phrase coming-of-age is typically associated with this period in a teenager’s life. Some teens reach this point by simply growing older and obtaining a better understanding of the world surrounding them. Others reach this stage by experiencing an event or events that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Examples of coming of age can be found in many stories, books, and magazines throughout literature. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and “Beautiful Brains” by David Dobbs are excellent examples of literature that contain the trait coming-of-age. Coming-of-age involves recognizing different perspectives. …show more content…
Scout is at the age where she does not understand the differences of others: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 92). Scout does not understand that every child in her class has yet to learn how to read or write. She gets angry at Walter Cunningham for not knowing how to read or write. Miss Caroline lectures Scout about her actions. This leads to Atticus explaining that to understand where a person is coming from, Scout has to be where Walter was and feel what Walter has been through. Scout gains knowledge and matures when Atticus tells her how to act to others differences. Scout learns to be patient and to understand other's differences and weakness. Another example of the character Scout coming-of-age is when Atticus discusses Bob Ewell actions: “if you can stand in Bob Ewell’s shoes a minute, I destroyed his last shred of credibility at that trial, if he had any to begin with. The man had to have some kind of comeback, his kind always does. He had to take it out on somebody. . .” (Lee 134). Bob Ewell does not have very much pride to begin with, and now that Atticus almost proved Bob to be a liar, he gets really angry. Bob curses on and spits on Atticus after the trial. Scout is confused as to why Atticus lets Bob get away …show more content…
Throughout the many experiences I have grown in, this particular, ongoing event stands out. The event that continues to help me mature is being a twin. Being a twin has shown me multiple traits about myself that have caused me to come-of-age. We are identical, so we look alike, talk alike, and behave alike. Bennett, my twin, and I do almost everything together: football, swim, run, and live. We even share the same talents such as flipping, handstands, and drawing. Thankfully, there is one advantage I will always have over Bennett, which is being born first. Since I was born first, I always get the bragging rights over Bennett when someone asks. Being twins, Bennett and I also have had to share many items throughout our lives. Sharing with Bennett has shown me several different outlooks that I would not have found out about myself. Some of the characteristics I have gained from sharing are integrity, respect, honesty, and gratitude. Splitting things with Bennett has also led me to be more considerate when someone tells us to take however much we would like. From sharing items throughout my life, I have gained many new perspectives and traits that have helped me come-of-age.
Recognizing different perspectives allows one to come-of-age. Coming-of-age can be shown through characters, like Scout, learning new life-lessons as they mature. Also, coming-of-age can be conveyed through the type of friends teens