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.

Answer 1

In Gary Soto's short story "Oranges", the characters confront various rites of passage throughout the narrative. The story follows a boy who experiences his first date and the challenges he encounters on this journey towards adulthood.

One rite of passage that the main character faces is the transition from childhood to adolescence. The protagonist mentions that he is "at the age where boys are still running, they haven’t learned to walk long distances yet" (Soto). This quote implies that the boy is at a stage in his life where he is beginning to gain independence and experience new things. Going on a date represents his entrance into a new phase of life where he starts to explore romantic relationships.

Another rite of passage presented in the story is the idea of confronting societal norms and expectations. The protagonist describes how he must impress his date, Teresa, to conform to these expectations. He states, "I was trying like everything to be calm and to keep my knees from knocking together" (Soto). This line indicates the pressure he feels to meet the standards set by society and highlights the anxiety he experiences as a result.

Furthermore, the story portrays the rite of passage of self-discovery. As the main character walks with Teresa, he realizes that he needs to be honest and truly himself in order to foster a genuine connection. He contemplates, "But there I was, wanting to look good before this girl I hardly knew" (Soto). This internal struggle demonstrates his journey towards understanding his own identity and the importance of authenticity in relationships.

In summary, "Oranges" by Gary Soto explores the rites of passage that individuals encounter as they navigate through adolescence and societal expectations. Through the characters' experiences, the story highlights the transition from childhood to adolescence, the struggle to conform to societal norms, and the journey of self-discovery. The specific details and dialogues in the text provide evidence for these claims, showcasing the pivotal moments in the characters' lives.