In at least 100 words describe a coming of age story that you have read and explain why it can be described in those terms

I have read "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. This story is a fictional story about a young man who was drafted for the Vietnam war in his first years of college. This book describes the coming of age of multiple characters in its portrayal of each character individualistically. It shows how fast each of these young men had to grow up after joining the war and the difficulties they faced. It is easy to forget how young these guys are because of the things they say or the actions they must take. There are many moments in the book that make you stop and go "Hey wait. These are just kids," and it really shows the maturing process and the stresses of war in addition to suddenly being thrust into adulthood.

A coming of age story:

A coming of age story is a story tracing the growth of the protagonist from childhood to adulthood. It incorporates the trials and tribulations the character undergoes in the process of attaining maturity.

The ‘coming of age’ genre in literature is also sometimes referred to as the ‘Bildungsroman’ which translates into a novel describing the process of maturation, both morally and psychologically.

I recently read ‘Great Expectations’, a novel by Charles Dickens, an English Writer.

The novel is a masterpiece as it beautifully relates the story of Pip, an orphan, living with his rude sister but kind brother-in-law Joe Gargery. The story depicts the growth of Pip, who is suddenly bestowed with fortune when an escaped and hungry convict whom he had given some food to eat becomes his anonymous benefactor sending him to London. There Pip in the process of acquiring elite manners becomes pretentious and even does not respect Joe Gargery who pays him a visit as he loves him a lot.

The story is a journey of Pip’s hardships involving his heartbreak due to an unresponsive Estella, his encounters with Miss Havisham who enjoys the coldness of Estella towards Pip and his discovering his benefactor Abel Magwitch and ultimately his realization that Joe Gargery was a gentleman who nursed him back to health when he was sick. He also is seen acting as a mature person helping Abel Magwitch to escape from England and not accepting his financial aid any more. He can be seen helping Miss Havisham, saving her from a fire despite knowing about her selfish intentions regarding him and Estella.

The novel not only relates Pip’s Growth but also describes the growth of Estella from a cold-hearted, unresponsive girl who does not respond to Pip’s advances to later on asks for Pip’s forgiveness and accept her.

Thus, it really is a ‘coming of age ‘story.

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