Blog #12: Open Prompt 3

2008, Form B. In some works of literature, childhood and adolescence are portrayed as times graced by innocence and a sense of wonder; in other works, they are depicted as times of tribulation and terror. Focusing on a single novel or play, explain how its representation of childhood or adolescence shapes the meaning of the work as a whole.

      A person's childhood leads to some of the most important moments in a life. People grow, learn new traits, and face some of the hardest struggles that will affect them for a life time. Childhood and adolescence portrayed, shape the story as a whole whether it be in a good or a bad way. In the novel Finding Fish, Antwone Fisher's childhood is depicted throughout the first half of the novel. Through the terror and verbal abuse written about in this novel, the work as a whole is takes on a whole new meaning. Instead of being a retelling of Antwone's life, because of his childhood this novel becomes a story of strength and perseverance.

     After being put into the foster care system, Antwone is sent to live with the Pickett family, consisting of Mizz Picket, Reverend Pickett, and two other foster care children. Within a few chapters of the novel it is clear that the Pickett's are only in it for the money provided for caring for foster children. Through the verbal and physical abuse suffered, Antwone's childhood takes on a whole new meaning and shape how he behaves in the future and the rest of the novel. Throughout the abuse, Antwone manages to continue through school and one day become a member of the Navy, showing a true strength that not many abused children are able to feel. The ultimate sign of strength and perseverance found in this novel is Antwone's final encounter with Dwight, where Antwone sees how his life could have ended. 

     Along with suffering the abuse from Mizz Pickett, Antwone is also sexually abused by his babysitter. These encounters shape how Antwone behaves with others in the rest of the novel. Distant at first, Antwone was fearful to show emotion or connect with anyone with his life. Until meeting a therapist in the Navy, Antwone was closed off and unable to put the past behind him. Remarkably, his is able to share his story and take strength from all that he has been through.

     A childhood, good or bad, shapes the way a person's life progresses. Whether in real life or in a piece of fiction, the meaning of a person's life story can be dramatically changed by how they are raised.