n the following literature selections, individuals experience rites of passage in various ways:

Question

"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 (Standard course only)
"On Turning Ten" by Billy Collins
"Hanging Fire" by Audre Lorde
from My Forbidden Face by Latifa
"The Scarlet Ibis" by James Hurst (Standard course only)
"My Brother's Keeper" by Jay Bennett
from Riding the Bus with my Sister by Rachel Simon (Foundations course only)
Choose at least two of the selections above and 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.

Answer 1

In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell, the protagonist is faced with a rite of passage related to his love for fishing and his infatuation with Sheila Mant. The main character, who remains unnamed, struggles with a conflict between his passion for fishing and his desire to impress Sheila, a popular and attractive girl. This conflict is especially evident when he has the opportunity to take out Sheila on a boat ride, but must sacrifice catching a large bass that he has been determined to catch all summer.

The protagonist's internal conflict demonstrates his struggle to navigate the transition from childhood to adolescence. The moment where he has to choose between catching the bass or impressing Sheila becomes a symbolic rite of passage. He ultimately decides to cut the fishing line and let the bass go, showing his willingness to prioritize Sheila's opinion of him over his individual passion.

Similarly, in "Oranges" by Gary Soto, the protagonist experiences a rite of passage related to young love and the transition from childhood to adolescence. The main character, a young boy, goes on a date with a girl named Teresa, whom he is infatuated with. Throughout the poem, the protagonist navigates the complexities of this first date, symbolizing the transition from childhood innocence to adolescent romance.

One specific detail that supports this claim is the mention of the protagonist buying a candy bar and "a nickel's worth of [orange] hard candy." These small purchases show his desire to impress Teresa and demonstrate a willingness to embrace the rites of passage associated with dating. Additionally, the protagonist's nervousness and self-consciousness during the date reflect his wrestling with the unfamiliar emotions and responsibilities that come with romantic relationships.

Both "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" and "Oranges" illustrate how individuals confront rites of passage associated with the transition from childhood to adolescence. These passages involve making difficult decisions, prioritizing newfound desires and responsibilities, and navigating interpersonal relationships.