Coming Of Age Stories Essay

Coming-of-age stories are the back doors to our adolescent lives. Whether it be films, books, or stage plays, coming-of-age stories will remain a topic for discussion. While some stories may diferiant from each other, theres a part of it that relates to us all. These two earlier works by James Joyce and Alice Munro gives us a glimpse into the inside world of their main character, and the pains of growing up. However, the second story centers around Joyce's character in the “Araby”, a young boy breaking away from the childish play with his peers, after falling madly in love with a young lady. The story is set on North Richmond Street, where he and the other Christian boys usually play together (Joyce 154). The author doesn't waste any time in letting the reader know exactly where the character's heart is. For instance, the character stands on the steps and stares at the young lady. He then becomes mesmerized with her beauty (Joyce 155). Thereafter, the character goes into his normal routine by lying on the floor and watching the young lady's door from a short …show more content…
This is one of those plots where the writer has put into place for us, so we can see how far the character will go for his one true love. Before the character ventures off into the night, the word “Araby” becomes an echo in his head, as he is unable to concentrate on anything else. This part of the story is very important to the writer and the reader. It sets up the character's motivation in order for him to see this quest to the end, although he encounters a few obstacles before actually arriving to bazaar. For instance, his uncle almost blows his chances of going to the bazaar, after arriving home late. Then, he is met with an elderly woman who chunters for a period of time (Joyce 156 – 157). In the end, he leaves the bazaar with nothing but