Weekly Assignment 2 (7)
pdf
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of California, Los Angeles *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
MISC
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
Pages
2
Uploaded by UltraDonkeyMaster46
**Assignment Title: Identity and Self-Discovery in Coming-of-Age Novels**
**Objective:** To critically analyze and compare how contemporary authors explore themes of
identity and self-discovery in their coming-of-age novels, examining the journeys of characters
as they navigate adolescence and transition into adulthood.
**Instructions:**
1. **Choose Two Contemporary Coming-of-Age Novels:**
- Select two contemporary coming-of-age novels that prominently feature themes related to
identity and self-discovery. Examples include "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, "The
Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky, "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson, or works
of your choice.
2. **Introduction to Coming-of-Age Themes:**
- Provide an introduction to the themes of identity and self-discovery in coming-of-age
literature. Discuss how contemporary authors use fiction to explore the challenges, triumphs, and
transformations experienced by characters as they navigate the transition from adolescence to
adulthood.
3. **Analysis of Identity Exploration:**
- Analyze how each author portrays the exploration of identity within their coming-of-age
novel. Discuss the characters' struggles with self-definition, the influence of external factors on
identity, and the evolution of the characters' understanding of who they are.
4. **Journey of Self-Discovery:**
- Focus on the journey of self-discovery depicted in the narratives. Discuss the pivotal
moments, relationships, and experiences that contribute to the characters' evolving understanding
of themselves and their place in the world.
5. **Themes of Acceptance and Authenticity:**
- Examine themes of acceptance and authenticity within the novels. Discuss how characters
grapple with societal expectations, peer pressure, and the pursuit of authenticity in their quest for
self-discovery.
6. **Impact of Relationships on Identity:**
- Explore the impact of relationships on the characters' identity development. Discuss how
friendships, family dynamics, and romantic relationships shape the characters' perceptions of
themselves and influence their paths of self-discovery.
7. **Narrative Techniques for Identity Exploration:**
- Analyze the narrative techniques used by each author for identity exploration. Discuss how
storytelling devices, perspectives, and character development contribute to the portrayal of the
characters' journeys toward self-discovery.
8. **Comparative Analysis of Coming-of-Age Themes:**
- Compare the exploration of coming-of-age themes in the two novels. Discuss similarities and
differences in how the authors approach and interpret the complexities of identity and
self-discovery.
9. **Relevance to Contemporary Adolescent Experiences:**
- Reflect on the relevance of the themes presented in the novels to contemporary adolescent
experiences. Discuss whether the issues explored by the authors remain pertinent in today's
world and resonate with readers navigating their own coming-of-age journeys.
**Assessment Criteria:**
- Clear identification and explanation of coming-of-age themes in literature.
- Thorough analysis of the portrayal of identity exploration, self-discovery, and themes of
acceptance in the selected works.
- Insightful exploration of the impact of relationships on identity and narrative techniques for
identity exploration.
- Comprehensive comparison of coming-of-age themes in the two novels.
- Consideration of the relevance of coming-of-age themes to contemporary adolescent
experiences.
- Thoughtful reflection on the impact of identity and self-discovery on the characters and
narratives.
**Submission Details:**
- Submit your assignment in the agreed format to the instructor by the specified deadline.
Feel free to reach out to the instructor if you have any questions or need guidance as you work
on the assignment.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help