In both "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell and "Oranges" by Gary Soto, the protagonists in the selections confront significant rites of passage. Through specific details and character names, the texts portray the emotional and transformative journey that these individuals experience.
In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant," the main character faces a significant rite of passage as he navigates his teenage years. The protagonist, who remains unnamed, is infatuated with a girl named Sheila Mant. He struggles with the realization that his passion for fishing, symbolized by the bass, may hinder him from being accepted by Sheila and her crowd. As the story progresses, the protagonist's internal conflict intensifies. He faces the difficult decision of choosing between his love for fishing and his desire for Sheila's approval. This culminates in a transformative moment where he decides to cut the fishing line and let the bass go, ultimately sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of fitting in. This act represents the protagonist's rite of passage as he comes to terms with the challenges of growing up and learning to prioritize his desires. The vivid description of the protagonist's internal struggle and ultimate sacrifice emphasizes the significant nature of this rite of passage.
Similarly, in "Oranges," the protagonist experiences a powerful rite of passage as he embarks on a date with a girl named Teresa. The character, identified as the author in the first person, demonstrates a sense of nervousness and anticipation as he prepares for the outing. The text portrays the protagonist's adolescence through his innocent interactions, such as buying a bag of candies for Teresa. As the couple walks through the town, the author takes notice of the adult-like responsibilities they encounter, such as looking both ways to cross a street, showing his passage into maturity. Furthermore, when the protagonist enters the drugstore, he fumbles with the money, highlighting his burgeoning independence and the experience of making his own transactions. The evening climaxes with a moment of vulnerability, as the protagonist buys oranges for Teresa, symbolizing a small offering of affection. This gesture represents his transition into adulthood, as he understands the importance of thoughtful gestures and the development of his emotional capacity. Through the author's vivid description of the date and his internal thoughts, the text showcases the transformative rite of passage the protagonist undergoes.
In both texts, "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" and "Oranges," the protagonists confront significant rites of passage as they journey through the challenges of adolescence. The characters' inner struggles and transformative actions allow readers to witness their growth and the changes they experience.
In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherel" and "Oranges" by Gary Soto, 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.
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