During one’s adolescent years, one may find oneself constantly changing one’s personality and traits in order to properly define oneself, thus bringing up the topic of self-identity: the recognition of one's potential and qualities as an individual, especially in relation to social context.
Such is a case with 13-year old pubescent choirboy John Milton, or “Spud” from Spud by John Van de Ruit, and the vengeful teenager Ishmael Beah from A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Likewise, both protagonists constantly try to overcome their challenges and alter their ways to achieve social dominance and power. In Spud by John Van de Ruit, the protagonist, John Milton, is often referred to “Spud” by his roommate due to his physical …show more content…
Moreover, John depicts the adolescent anguishes that ha faces through his diary, and gives a lighthearted and witty depiction of the maturing steps he takes. Throughout the story, John desperately tries to “fit in” with his popular peers by engaging in their activities and altering his behavior. After John proves himself worthy of his peers’ trust, he rapidly gains social power. Similarly, Ishmael Beah from A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier conveys how power is essential to survive and to fulfill one’s desires. Caught amidst the ongoing conflict between the government of Sierra Leone and the RUF, a 12-year old Ishmael witnesses the tragic death of his brother, Junior, and his parents. After months of travelling and fleeing with a band of friends, Ishmael is inducted into the army, and thus transforms from a innocent, jubilant child to a vengeful, belligerent teenage soldier whose world is blinded with distrust, hatred and bitterness. His altered views of life render him satisfied by killing the rebels, but also loses his self-identity and the things that render …show more content…
Correspondingly, John Milton from Spud uses his newfound knowledge and personality to gain popularity, without diminishing his love for acting and writing. In other words, by overcoming his immaturity, John is able to use his abilities to benefit himself and his peers. He fulfills his goal of becoming popular by using his abilities to their very best. For instance, when John is successfully chosen to be the main actor in the school’s play Oliver, the people who used to regard John Milton as awkward begin to congratulate and acknowledge John’s incredible voice. John overcomes his fear of confiding in his teachers to deal with the local bullies who torment John’s roommates, and thus gains respect from his classmates. Nonetheless, Ishmael Beah from A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier fulfills his never-ending hate for the rebels not by using his abilities as a dancer, but rather uses firepower to eradicate his enemies; he completely forgets his past traits and becomes thirsty for war and killing. In the end, John realizes that his ultimate goal is not to avenge his family, but to rather forgive himself for the damage he has
Such is a case with 13-year old pubescent choirboy John Milton, or “Spud” from Spud by John Van de Ruit, and the vengeful teenager Ishmael Beah from A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. Likewise, both protagonists constantly try to overcome their challenges and alter their ways to achieve social dominance and power. In Spud by John Van de Ruit, the protagonist, John Milton, is often referred to “Spud” by his roommate due to his physical …show more content…
Moreover, John depicts the adolescent anguishes that ha faces through his diary, and gives a lighthearted and witty depiction of the maturing steps he takes. Throughout the story, John desperately tries to “fit in” with his popular peers by engaging in their activities and altering his behavior. After John proves himself worthy of his peers’ trust, he rapidly gains social power. Similarly, Ishmael Beah from A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier conveys how power is essential to survive and to fulfill one’s desires. Caught amidst the ongoing conflict between the government of Sierra Leone and the RUF, a 12-year old Ishmael witnesses the tragic death of his brother, Junior, and his parents. After months of travelling and fleeing with a band of friends, Ishmael is inducted into the army, and thus transforms from a innocent, jubilant child to a vengeful, belligerent teenage soldier whose world is blinded with distrust, hatred and bitterness. His altered views of life render him satisfied by killing the rebels, but also loses his self-identity and the things that render …show more content…
Correspondingly, John Milton from Spud uses his newfound knowledge and personality to gain popularity, without diminishing his love for acting and writing. In other words, by overcoming his immaturity, John is able to use his abilities to benefit himself and his peers. He fulfills his goal of becoming popular by using his abilities to their very best. For instance, when John is successfully chosen to be the main actor in the school’s play Oliver, the people who used to regard John Milton as awkward begin to congratulate and acknowledge John’s incredible voice. John overcomes his fear of confiding in his teachers to deal with the local bullies who torment John’s roommates, and thus gains respect from his classmates. Nonetheless, Ishmael Beah from A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier fulfills his never-ending hate for the rebels not by using his abilities as a dancer, but rather uses firepower to eradicate his enemies; he completely forgets his past traits and becomes thirsty for war and killing. In the end, John realizes that his ultimate goal is not to avenge his family, but to rather forgive himself for the damage he has