From the beginning of life, many responsibilities are brought into our lives. Stereotypes are inflicted upon genders, and women are expected to cook and clean while men are expected to bring in the paycheck and protect the family. Men have to be "men." They are not supposed to show their emotions. Although standards in society are changing, gender roles are still heavily placed into lives, and stereotypes are smacked onto people. Throughout the story of The First Part Last, Bobby, the main character, encounters a lot of self-conflict. He wonders if he is "becoming a man" and coming of age.mIn the text, Bobby says, "Things have to change," (p. 4). As time passes, Bobby is becoming more aware of the fact that he needs to mature and change himself,
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Bobby lists all of the objects that fit into the diaper bag that he carries for Feather. He is having to take care of her and tend to her a lot, so he has to carry lots of supplies in his bag. The text states, "Eight extra diapers. Baby corn starch. Baby wipes. Three binkies (in case two get lost). Four six-ounce bottles..." (p. 16). The supplies stored inside the bag represent the amount of care that Bobby has towards Feather. His list goes on and on with items, which shows that his care is abundantly, comfortably, and securely stored into Feather just as the items are stored into the bag. His love and care increases as he is coming of age. Without the helpful items Bobby is bringing along, caring for Feather would be extremely difficult for him. Lastly, the third concrete object that supports Bobby's adaption to coming of age is the baby. Bobby and Nia plan to give the baby up for adoption until the scenario changes. Then, Bobby is given the individual choice on what he should do with Feather, and he decides to keep her. This is the biggest factor that plays into Bobby's coming of age. He could have put her up for adoption and not taken responsibility for her. However, he decides to take responsibility for her, and from his perspective, he chooses to do the right
Bobby lists all of the objects that fit into the diaper bag that he carries for Feather. He is having to take care of her and tend to her a lot, so he has to carry lots of supplies in his bag. The text states, "Eight extra diapers. Baby corn starch. Baby wipes. Three binkies (in case two get lost). Four six-ounce bottles..." (p. 16). The supplies stored inside the bag represent the amount of care that Bobby has towards Feather. His list goes on and on with items, which shows that his care is abundantly, comfortably, and securely stored into Feather just as the items are stored into the bag. His love and care increases as he is coming of age. Without the helpful items Bobby is bringing along, caring for Feather would be extremely difficult for him. Lastly, the third concrete object that supports Bobby's adaption to coming of age is the baby. Bobby and Nia plan to give the baby up for adoption until the scenario changes. Then, Bobby is given the individual choice on what he should do with Feather, and he decides to keep her. This is the biggest factor that plays into Bobby's coming of age. He could have put her up for adoption and not taken responsibility for her. However, he decides to take responsibility for her, and from his perspective, he chooses to do the right