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 Gary Soto's short story "Oranges", the characters confront various rites of passage throughout the narrative. The story follows a boy who experiences his first date and the challenges he encounters on this journey towards adulthood.
One rite of passage that the main character faces is the transition from childhood to adolescence. The protagonist mentions that he is "at the age where boys are still running, they haven’t learned to walk long distances yet" (Soto). This quote implies that the boy is at a stage in his life where he is beginning to gain independence and experience new things. Going on a date represents his entrance into a new phase of life where he starts to explore romantic relationships.
Another rite of passage presented in the story is the idea of confronting societal norms and expectations. The protagonist describes how he must impress his date, Teresa, to conform to these expectations. He states, "I was trying like everything to be calm and to keep my knees from knocking together" (Soto). This line indicates the pressure he feels to meet the standards set by society and highlights the anxiety he experiences as a result.
Furthermore, the story portrays the rite of passage of self-discovery. As the main character walks with Teresa, he realizes that he needs to be honest and truly himself in order to foster a genuine connection. He contemplates, "But there I was, wanting to look good before this girl I hardly knew" (Soto). This internal struggle demonstrates his journey towards understanding his own identity and the importance of authenticity in relationships.
In summary, "Oranges" by Gary Soto explores the rites of passage that individuals encounter as they navigate through adolescence and societal expectations. Through the characters' experiences, the story highlights the transition from childhood to adolescence, the struggle to conform to societal norms, and the journey of self-discovery. The specific details and dialogues in the text provide evidence for these claims, showcasing the pivotal moments in the characters' lives.
In "Oranges" by Gary Soto, the protagonist, a young boy, goes through a rite of passage as he experiences his first romantic encounter. This can be seen through various evidence and details from the text.
Firstly, the narrator mentions that the protagonist is a twelve-year-old boy, which suggests that he is at the age where many individuals start to face the challenges and emotions of adolescence. This transition from childhood to young adulthood is a common theme in rites of passage.
Additionally, the narrator describes the boy's interest in a girl named Teresa. This can be seen when the boy says, "I took my girl's hand in mine for the first time and twisted my bare feet in the dirt, her feet beside mine like young trees" (Soto 5). This moment of holding hands with a girl for the first time represents one of the rites of passage teenagers commonly face as they explore romantic relationships.
Furthermore, the boy prepares himself for this special outing with Teresa by saving up his money to buy oranges. He mentions, "I took out two oranges and offered one to Teresa" (Soto 3). The act of purchasing and giving oranges to impress the girl signifies the protagonist's desire to make a positive impression on her, highlighting his understanding of the social aspects involved in courting.
Moreover, the narrator also describes the intense emotions and nervousness felt by the boy during this encounter. The text states, "I was sweating a little because I was scared of my first date" (Soto 3). This fear and anxiety are common experiences during rites of passage, as individuals confront the unfamiliar and step out of their comfort zones.
Overall, "Oranges" by Gary Soto portrays the protagonist's journey through a rite of passage as he navigates his first romantic encounter. The evidence provided through the characters, specific details, and the emotions experienced by the young boy all contribute to the theme of rites of passage in the story.