Coming of age narratives do not necessarily depict complete struggles, or complete journeys to maturity. Some narratives of coming of age depict a protagonist that reaches maturity only through a great struggle. Other comings of age stories depict a central character that strives to create a new and different form of identity but fails miserably in the process. The best forms of such stories, however, take the reader by surprise. "Where are you going, Where have you been?" By Joyce Carol Oates begins as a comedy, but ends as a tragedy. "The Man Who was Almost a Man," by Richard Wright begins in a tragic vein, but ends as a funny tale of triumph.

Joyce Carol Oates' young, female protagonist Connie is an apparently sassy young woman, beautiful and brimming with life and confidence in her budding sexuality. In contrast to her older sister, Connie is expressive and animated. She...
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