Thesis Statement

Essay Assignment #1 Coming of age

Due Date: Feb. 10, 2026, 00:00

Length: 1000 words

The coming-of age experience in a theme in five of the short stories discussed this term. The experience describes the transition from childhood to adulthood in a moment almost always quietly dramatic. A conflict within the main character has been resolved, a decision has been made, often about how characters see themselves in an adult world. Often characters are critical of the authority and the all-knowing stance of parents/superiors. Analyze at least three of the coming-of-age stories, comparing the characters and their outcomes. Note Well: Assume your reader knows the story. You in your essay are concerned only with the ideas in the story. The plot is secondary. Retelling the story will not make an essay.

Topics for the essay may include the following:

Discuss the role of religious imagery in three of the short stories.

Compare the difficulties of the female narrators and offer a common ground for these difficulties.

Discuss tradition as the most difficult obstacle for these young narrators to overcome.

Discuss the division of labour as a subtle way to oppress women.

NOTE:

• Include at least six direct quotations in your essay (MLA format).
• Include a works cited list (MLA format).
• Underline your thesis statement.

Stories in the book: Boys and girls

To set our house in order

Aunt Moons young man

The Book is called: The Wascana Anthology Poetry, Short friction, and critical prose