In Robert Cormier's short story "The Moustache," the theme that growing up means fully seeing others as complete individuals in their own right is intricately developed through the interplay of character, setting, and symbolism. The protagonist, 16-year-old Mike, grapples with his own identity and maturity as he visits his grandmother, who has been struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. The setting—a suburban home filled with familial relics and reminders of the past—highlights the contrast between Mike's youthful perspective and the somber reality of aging. Cormier's use of the moustache itself serves as a powerful symbol; it represents not only Mike's attempt to assert his adulthood but also the misguided perceptions of others based on appearances. As Mike grows his moustache, he seeks to embody the maturity he believes comes with age, yet he is ultimately confronted with the painful reality that his grandmother does not recognize him, stating, "I thought you were my husband." This moment underscores the emotional complexity of interpersonal relationships, illustrating that our understanding of others can be clouded by our assumptions. The repetition of the word "moustache" throughout the narrative emphasizes Mike's internal struggle and foreshadows the disconnection between his perception of adulthood and the harsh truths that accompany it. Through this exploration of character relationships, particularly the painful acknowledgment of his grandmother's fading recognition, Cormier reveals that part of growing up involves confronting the complexities and nuances of our loved ones as individual beings, rather than solely through our own lens. Ultimately, Mike's experience serves as a poignant reminder that true maturity lies in the empathy and understanding we extend toward others, acknowledging their own struggles and identities.
Your answer should include specific textual evidence and demonstrate understanding of how a theme is developed in a text through details about the setting, characters, plot, and symbols. Possible themes include that some conflicts can never be fully resolved and that growing up means fully seeing others as complete individuals in their own right. Then write an analytical paragraph in which you use textual evidence about literary elements such as setting, character, plot, and symbol as well as devices such as figurative language and repetition to identify a theme or themes developed in “The Moustache.”
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