Reflections
Willywillywilliamson
Honors Literature and Composition/Block F
19 May 2014
Honors Literature and Composition/Block F
19 May 2014
Group Reflection
Throughout the project, we learned much that added to our view of society, literature, and teenagers as a whole. In examining the traits of a teenager, we discovered what it means to be part of this age group and observed how society views teenagers. When exploring the literature, our group became more aware of the teen presence in the novels, plays, short stories, and poems we have read. We learned more about all the characters in these pieces of literature and how they added to both society’s view of teenagers and the general themes associated with the age group. Our awareness increased of society’s presence in the lives of teenagers, and how the media has a large influence on teens. It was interesting to discover how society negatively impacts teenagers, for teens rely so heavily on the opinions and views of others in making decisions for themselves and their future.
Christina's reflection
As a fifteen year old in the year 2014, I can relate to many of the traits, themes, and ideas expressed in both literature and society today. To begin, I am curious, desiring independence, occasionally disrespectful, lacking direction, rebellious, searching for identity, and wanting to find love. My curiosity stems from my desire to learn more about the world, for as a teenager, many aspects of my environment are being revealed to me, and I crave to learn more about each and every feature. At this point in my life, I believe that I am able to take on more independence than I am given, and strive to prove my responsibility and ability to control some parts of my life. Like many other teenagers, I get frustrated when I am unable to express myself and realize my place in the world and become disrespectful to those who hold me back from being the person I desire to be. I am not sure what path my life is headed towards, and often get worried when making important decisions in fear of choosing the wrong direction. When a person tries to impose rules I do not agree with, I become rebellious and often argue for my beliefs and views on the world. I am in a constant search for identity, and most of my life involves exploration and observation of the opportunities and options I have in the world today. Like all humans in general, I crave for companionship and look towards my friends for guidance and comfort during times of needs. With these traits in my life, I relate to the majority of the literature observed this year, and am able to truly understand most of the teenage characters in these novels, plays, short stories, and poems. The literature accurately presents what a teenager is, and despite some inaccuracies, the stories and tales told for each teenager rings with a certain sense of truth. In examining the modern teenager and the teenagers presented in literature, I learned more about what it means to be part of the next generation and what being on a journey of self-exploration entails.
Charlotte's reflection
Throughout the year, there have been many novels, short stories, poems, and insights as to how the literature relates to the average teen and these literature pieces have truly made an impact on my view of the current teenage culture. To begin, one of the many things I have learned about teenagers in both literature and modern day is both sets of teenagers have similar ways of overcoming conflicts. In the novel Lord of the Flies written by William Golding, a set of young boys are isolated on an island and struggle with the external and internal issues of desiring independence, self-control, and governing the mindset of others. Today’s teens would handle this scenario similarly filled with confusion, lack of control, and fear of never going home. In this novel, Golding demonstration of teenagers in fear and stretching away from the group’s original intentions shows how different atmospheres do influence a teen’s way of thinking and deciphering in both time periods. In another novel, The Catcher in the Rye written by J.D. Salinger, the character Holden illustrates the fear of realizing the truth and how lacking direction has influenced his decision making for a long period of time. Holden’s lack of direction and absence of familiarity with his surroundings depicts how teenager’s ultimate goal is finding their place in the world and how they contribute to society. However, in Holden’s case, Holden only discovers that the world disappoints him and he being a part of a world he dislikes makes him more misguided and lost. Teenager’s realization in truth and understanding of identity shows the expansion of perception and the discovery of how human beings can contribute encouragingly or create a world where the outcome is unrecognizable from what it once was. I believe that these pieces of literature accurately show how recognition of reality and conflict affects the average teenager and whether the teen reacts diligently or runs away with disappointment of what humanity has come to be. I believe that the Manifesto Project was a great way to explore more of the teenage qualities other than class discussion. This project truly gave me more insight as to why authors wrote the novel in a particular perspective or what were the character’s motives to the conflict. All in all, I enjoyed the pieces of literature that were read and discussed because the literature distributed a broader meaning of how the development of teenagers has it changes that will advance over time but also has its similarities that will remain constant for every generation.
Erin's reflection
As a teenager, I think each year we earn our stripes by going through our personal journeys and adventures. In the literature we studied this year, I could relate personally to Finny in A Separate Peace, and Holden from The Catcher in the Rye. Finny was carefree and fun loving, and as a teen I know the importance of not taking life so seriously all the time. Like Finny, I try to live in the moment as much as I can and I try to make memories that I will remember when I’m older. I prefer to follow my own rules and paths, just like Finny. We both love being free spirited; however, we know when to be serious as well, for example in sports. I can relate to Finny because he liked to show the toughest parts of his handicap only to his close friends, and teens don’t like to be embarrassed or show their weaknesses to the world. In addition, teens can be subjected to judgment and bullying. Holden is like the modern teen because he demonstrates the inner confusion that plagues many teens. I enjoyed reading The Catcher in the Rye because Holden thinks in a similar way as I do. I get sidetracked easily and like Holden, I often get fixated on specific ideas and I can’t stop thinking about it until I get the answers. Holden also stands for teens that are dealing with mental disabilities. A specific diagnosis is never given, however, as a reader it can be inferred that he has some sort of mental disorder. Many teens are dealing with the same type of anxiety and problems Holden takes on, and this novel is written in an accurate voice and thought process. I think that the issues addressed in both of these novels are relevant to the modern teens, because themes of friendship, loss, and finding an identity are ones that can span for generations. For teens, the world can be a huge scary place, or a new path full of opportunity. I hope most teens see the world as a latter because the teens of today are going to be the ones making choices in the world. The importance of the choices that teens are making in modern society is huge because if the wrong decisions are being executed, then a pattern of corruption will be the result.
"To This Day Project"
Despite the fact that most teenagers have the same goals, desires, wants, cravings, passions, and needs in life, many adolescents and youths continue to treat one another cruelly and with hatred. In examining the teenager, the authors feel it is necessary to conclude with this video, for it gives an accurate example of how despite the fact that society and literature may have positive or negative influences on a person, the figures with the most impact on a teenager's life prove to be themselves and their peers. Teenagers heavily rely on the opinions, beliefs, expectations, and judgments of others on their path of life, and often look towards their peers for guidance and acceptance. However, some teenagers, in their search for identity and lack of confidence, put down other teenagers for their personalities, looks, or beliefs. This bullying has a very negative impact on teenagers, for once a person witnesses the cruelty and corruption in others, they carry the insults and beatings with them for the rest of their lives.