Selecting text for adolescent learners

Selecting text for adolescence

Adolescent literature is often viewed as literature written for adolescent readers ages ranging from twelve and beyond. Some characteristics of adolescent literature include;

1.      It is simple and  straight forward

2.      Focuses on childhood experiences

3.      Expresses a child’s point of view

4.      Is usually optimistic

5.      Tends to reveal a fantasy image of life

6.      Tends to be repetitious

7.      Themes often focus on challenges of youth

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2158371/what_are_the_defining_characteristics_pg2.html?cat=38

Based on the definition and characteristics mentioned above, I have decided to find out if Jamaica Kincaid’s novel, ‘Annie John’ meets the criteria of an adolescent literature novel and what aspects of it mirror experiences of young adults.

In the novel ‘Annie John, a young girl struggles to discover her identity, Annie is a young girl growing up in a picture perfect setting. She also has a blissful childhood in Antigua, where she is the centre of her mother’s attention. This however slowly fades as Annie becomes filled with fierce maternal conflict which in the end leads to her departure from Antigua to England at the age of seventeen.

The novel portrays a painful growth of into young womanhood. This portrayal can be compared to the experiences of many Caribbean teenagers as they try to determine who they are and understand their life’s outside of their parent’s viewpoint. Moreover, the story is told through the point of view of Annie as the narrator. This helps adolescent create a strong connection with the narrator as they are able to see things through her eyes thus being able to respond to the text.

Another character who adolescent may also relate to is ‘Gwen’ Annie’s first best friend. Gwen serves as a surrogate mother to Annie in the absence of her mother. She expects all the kisses, love and hug from her just like her mother once did. Most adolescent find themselves have a similar friend like Gwen.  At this age, they are in need of someone to talk to about issues or just simply spending time together.

The major theme in this book is individuality. Annie wants to create her own identity without the influence of her mother or others. The quest for individuality and independence is portrayed in her rebellious acts. In the Caribbean, and the world by extension, most teenagers go through the very same thing. One of the themes most highlighted in the novel is ‘mother daughter relationship.’ In the novel, there are instances which would allow adolescent about their own relationship with their mother. In the beginning, they have strong relationships with their mothers but when puberty occurs, parents especially  mothers, they believe that they should seek their own way of life to adopt to the changes of womanhood.

In the novel, we also sense optimism especially when Annie decides to leave the country. She is convinced that she will find a better life in England. Teenagers view running away or just moving away from home as the best option during the period at which they are trying to find themselves.

For all the reasons mentioned above, I believe that Jamaica Kincaid’s, ‘Annie john’ does reflect characteristics of adolescent literature.