In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherel" and "Oranges" by Gary Soto, write about the rites of passage that individuals in the selections confront. Provide evidence by including names of characters as well as specific details from the text to support your claim.
In both "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell and "Oranges" by Gary Soto, the protagonists in the selections confront significant rites of passage. Through specific details and character names, the texts portray the emotional and transformative journey that these individuals experience.
In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant," the main character faces a significant rite of passage as he navigates his teenage years. The protagonist, who remains unnamed, is infatuated with a girl named Sheila Mant. He struggles with the realization that his passion for fishing, symbolized by the bass, may hinder him from being accepted by Sheila and her crowd. As the story progresses, the protagonist's internal conflict intensifies. He faces the difficult decision of choosing between his love for fishing and his desire for Sheila's approval. This culminates in a transformative moment where he decides to cut the fishing line and let the bass go, ultimately sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of fitting in. This act represents the protagonist's rite of passage as he comes to terms with the challenges of growing up and learning to prioritize his desires. The vivid description of the protagonist's internal struggle and ultimate sacrifice emphasizes the significant nature of this rite of passage.
Similarly, in "Oranges," the protagonist experiences a powerful rite of passage as he embarks on a date with a girl named Teresa. The character, identified as the author in the first person, demonstrates a sense of nervousness and anticipation as he prepares for the outing. The text portrays the protagonist's adolescence through his innocent interactions, such as buying a bag of candies for Teresa. As the couple walks through the town, the author takes notice of the adult-like responsibilities they encounter, such as looking both ways to cross a street, showing his passage into maturity. Furthermore, when the protagonist enters the drugstore, he fumbles with the money, highlighting his burgeoning independence and the experience of making his own transactions. The evening climaxes with a moment of vulnerability, as the protagonist buys oranges for Teresa, symbolizing a small offering of affection. This gesture represents his transition into adulthood, as he understands the importance of thoughtful gestures and the development of his emotional capacity. Through the author's vivid description of the date and his internal thoughts, the text showcases the transformative rite of passage the protagonist undergoes.
In both texts, "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" and "Oranges," the protagonists confront significant rites of passage as they journey through the challenges of adolescence. The characters' inner struggles and transformative actions allow readers to witness their growth and the changes they experience.
In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" by W.D. Wetherell and "Oranges" by Gary Soto, both selections depict rites of passage that the individuals confront. These rites of passage involve significant moments of growth, self-discovery, and gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant," the protagonist, a young teenage boy, faces a coming-of-age experience. He attends a summer party with Sheila Mant, whom he has a crush on. However, his obsession with impressing her clashes with his passion for fishing. Throughout the story, the protagonist grapples with the conflict between his desire to be seen as mature and his love for a simple hobby. This conflict reaches its peak when he catches a trophy bass during their boat ride, and he must decide whether to prioritize keeping the fish or maintaining a chance with Sheila. This pivotal moment represents his ultimate rite of passage. The narrator states, "I cut the line... Then I sat down in the stern, the sail sun-warmed and full. I thought I'd cry, but I didn't" (Wetherell). This act demonstrates the protagonist's decision to prioritize his integrity and personal happiness over impressing Sheila, symbolizing his growth and the transition into adulthood.
Similarly, in "Oranges," the young protagonist experiences his own rite of passage during a date with a girl he likes. As they walk to the store together, the boy nervously navigates the challenges of his first date while also dealing with external pressures. He grapples with his self-consciousness about their contrasting social backgrounds, worrying about how others perceive them. However, as they encounter hurdles, such as buying candy within their limited budget, the boy demonstrates his maturity and determination. He reflects, "I took my nickel and out the door, making sure nobody would see me. And when she came out of the store and we walked down the street to the bus stop, holding hands, I knew that I would remember that day" (Soto). This moment of shared vulnerability and their connection despite the obstacles they face marks the boy's rite of passage. He discovers that the strength of their relationship lies not in material things but in the shared experiences and genuine connection they create.
Both stories highlight the transformative moments and rites of passage that individuals confront on their journey towards maturity. The protagonists in "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" and "Oranges" face internal conflicts, make difficult decisions, and learn important life lessons as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. These rites of passage mark critical turning points in their lives and shape their understanding of themselves and the world around them.