Tyler named this story after a song entitled 'Baba O'Riley' by The Who. The song was released in 1971 and has the words 'teenage wasteland' repeated several times throughout. The song also shares a theme of adolescent growth with the original short story.
'Teenage Wasteland' follows Daisy Coble, a former teacher turned frumpy housewife, and her 15-year-old son, Donny Coble. Donny is unmotivated, makes bad grades, and struggles to find his place at school and in his home. His father, Matt Coble, is described as a tall insurance salesman who is absent from the home.
Daisy is called to the school for Donny's poor academic performance. After berating herself for bad parenting, Daisy agrees to monitor Donny more closely. His grades begin to improve. However, Donny soon begins to act out at school by smoking, drinking, and skipping class. His principal, Mr. Lantham, thinks it would help if Donny saw a psychologist. …show more content…
Instead, his parents decide he needs a tutor. The tutor, Cal Beadle, begins to work with Donny three days a week. Donny actually enjoys spending time with Cal. This is his first real connection to an adult. Although his grades do not improve, his behavior does. He even meets a new, strange girlfriend, Miriam. Tutoring is going so well, Daisy gives Cal the power to address all of Donny's school concerns.
Daisy is eventually contacted by one of Donny's concerned teachers. Donny is failing all of his classes. Daisy addresses the concerns with Cal, who dismisses the school as unfair towards Donny.
In the spring, Donny is expelled from school after beer and cigarettes are found in his locker. Instead of walking home, Donny goes straight to Cal's. Daisy goes to Cal's to discuss the situation with both of them. Once again, Cal blames it on the school and the adults who don't trust
'Teenage Wasteland' follows Daisy Coble, a former teacher turned frumpy housewife, and her 15-year-old son, Donny Coble. Donny is unmotivated, makes bad grades, and struggles to find his place at school and in his home. His father, Matt Coble, is described as a tall insurance salesman who is absent from the home.
Daisy is called to the school for Donny's poor academic performance. After berating herself for bad parenting, Daisy agrees to monitor Donny more closely. His grades begin to improve. However, Donny soon begins to act out at school by smoking, drinking, and skipping class. His principal, Mr. Lantham, thinks it would help if Donny saw a psychologist. …show more content…
Instead, his parents decide he needs a tutor. The tutor, Cal Beadle, begins to work with Donny three days a week. Donny actually enjoys spending time with Cal. This is his first real connection to an adult. Although his grades do not improve, his behavior does. He even meets a new, strange girlfriend, Miriam. Tutoring is going so well, Daisy gives Cal the power to address all of Donny's school concerns.
Daisy is eventually contacted by one of Donny's concerned teachers. Donny is failing all of his classes. Daisy addresses the concerns with Cal, who dismisses the school as unfair towards Donny.
In the spring, Donny is expelled from school after beer and cigarettes are found in his locker. Instead of walking home, Donny goes straight to Cal's. Daisy goes to Cal's to discuss the situation with both of them. Once again, Cal blames it on the school and the adults who don't trust