Teenagers are often forced to conform to society and change because they think that everyone is doing it; however, this is not true in the real world. In poetry and short stories, one can realize that when changing for others and making rash decisions, it is inevitable for there to be regret.
"Those Winter Sundays"
For example, when the narrator reaches adulthood, he recollects "Speaking indifferently to him (his Dad), / Who had driven out the cold / And polished my good shoes as well. / What did I know, what did I know" (Hayden 14-17) The speaker is an archetype for the teens that feel regret in their lives for not appreciating their parents while they were young. Even though the speaker's father's hard work was not seen, it appeared evident later in his life. This feeling of regret that comes with maturity is a common theme throughout teenagers in today's society.
"Barbie Doll"
In addition, after the narrator was bullied for her fat nose and thick legs, "She was advised to play coy, exhorted to come on hearty, exercise, diet, smile and wheedle. Her good nature wore out like a fan belt" (771). The narrator is forced by her peers to change similarly to how many teens in today's society are forced to conform and change because of society's expectations of a perfect teens. When one changes and becomes a "phony", they lose their innocence as well as their identity. Furthermore, while everyone gathered for the narrator's funeral, they exclaimed, " 'Doesn't she look pretty'? everyone said. 'Consummation at last. To every woman a happy ending' " (771). Piercy's use of sarcasm emphasizes her own discontent with teenager's weak self-esteem and desire to change. The author does not agree that teens should be changing; however, the characters in the story find her perfect when she has changed. This change eventually leads to the death of her mind and body.
"A & P"
Moreover, as the narrator saw queenie, he examined, "She had on a kind of dirty-pink--beige maybe, I don't know--bathing suit with a little nubble all over it and, what got me, the straps were down" (149). The main girl in the novel represents all the teens that change their body image for others. This idea is reinforced when the narrator is attracted to her because of her lack of clothing. Also, after the three were kicked out because of what they were wearing, the narrator insisted, "The girls, and who'd blame them, are in a hurry to get out, so I say 'I quit' to Lengel quick enough for them to hear, hoping they'll stop and watch me, their unsuspected hero" (152). The narrator's rash and reckless decision to quit his job displays how teens use mainly their id and let their emotions control their decision. The theme of infatuation is present in this story because the narrator goes after the girls he "loves" without even talking to her. False love and reckless decisions are often stereotypes associated with teenagers in the 21st century.
Final Thoughts
The experiences and feelings of regret, love, and pressure from society are some of the experiences that today's teenagers go through. Therefore, while examining poems and short stories, one can see that they accurately depict the challenges that teenagers face.
"Those Winter Sundays"
For example, when the narrator reaches adulthood, he recollects "Speaking indifferently to him (his Dad), / Who had driven out the cold / And polished my good shoes as well. / What did I know, what did I know" (Hayden 14-17) The speaker is an archetype for the teens that feel regret in their lives for not appreciating their parents while they were young. Even though the speaker's father's hard work was not seen, it appeared evident later in his life. This feeling of regret that comes with maturity is a common theme throughout teenagers in today's society.
"Barbie Doll"
In addition, after the narrator was bullied for her fat nose and thick legs, "She was advised to play coy, exhorted to come on hearty, exercise, diet, smile and wheedle. Her good nature wore out like a fan belt" (771). The narrator is forced by her peers to change similarly to how many teens in today's society are forced to conform and change because of society's expectations of a perfect teens. When one changes and becomes a "phony", they lose their innocence as well as their identity. Furthermore, while everyone gathered for the narrator's funeral, they exclaimed, " 'Doesn't she look pretty'? everyone said. 'Consummation at last. To every woman a happy ending' " (771). Piercy's use of sarcasm emphasizes her own discontent with teenager's weak self-esteem and desire to change. The author does not agree that teens should be changing; however, the characters in the story find her perfect when she has changed. This change eventually leads to the death of her mind and body.
"A & P"
Moreover, as the narrator saw queenie, he examined, "She had on a kind of dirty-pink--beige maybe, I don't know--bathing suit with a little nubble all over it and, what got me, the straps were down" (149). The main girl in the novel represents all the teens that change their body image for others. This idea is reinforced when the narrator is attracted to her because of her lack of clothing. Also, after the three were kicked out because of what they were wearing, the narrator insisted, "The girls, and who'd blame them, are in a hurry to get out, so I say 'I quit' to Lengel quick enough for them to hear, hoping they'll stop and watch me, their unsuspected hero" (152). The narrator's rash and reckless decision to quit his job displays how teens use mainly their id and let their emotions control their decision. The theme of infatuation is present in this story because the narrator goes after the girls he "loves" without even talking to her. False love and reckless decisions are often stereotypes associated with teenagers in the 21st century.
Final Thoughts
The experiences and feelings of regret, love, and pressure from society are some of the experiences that today's teenagers go through. Therefore, while examining poems and short stories, one can see that they accurately depict the challenges that teenagers face.