Coming of Age Speech: Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson
What defines ones personality? What moulds ones identity? Coming of age is a crucial phase in life. It’s the time where our character is shaped through challenges we face and experiences we encounter. Coming of age is displayed throughout the novel, Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson. There are three main stages of coming of age; changes, gaining independence and sense of belonging. All these ideas are depicted in the novel using various language techniques.
Change is the initial and most noticeable stage of coming of age. It occurs both physically and mentally, and it plays a major role in the configuration of characters. Change is displayed when Ping looks in the mirror for the first time in several months and thinks to herself “ my rosy red cheeks have faded into a rich cream colour and my skin looks as soft as silk…” This combination of alliteration and a simile describes the physical changes that ping has undergone and it shows that as Ping began to face more challenges her rate of development increased as well as these physical changes ping was face with many mental changes.
Independence is a pivotal attribute in order for survival. Independence is one of the hardest characteristics to gain in the novel. Ping gains independence at a relatively early stage. It is conspicuous that the idea of independence is expressed particularly in the scene where Ping meets her master. She makes it clear to him and I quote “ im not that little girl anymore… ive learnt to defend myself”.
Belonging Is a vital factor to ensure an exultant and joyful life. It’s the time of realisation. Realising where you want to be and realising who you really needs you and who you really need. Ping gains that sense of belonging towards the end of her journey to Tai Shi Mountain she says, “ I look back, I can’t believe it. Finally im here. I belong here. They need me here” There is a noticeable change in the length of the sentences in this quote.
Coming of age is the most valuable
Change is the initial and most noticeable stage of coming of age. It occurs both physically and mentally, and it plays a major role in the configuration of characters. Change is displayed when Ping looks in the mirror for the first time in several months and thinks to herself “ my rosy red cheeks have faded into a rich cream colour and my skin looks as soft as silk…” This combination of alliteration and a simile describes the physical changes that ping has undergone and it shows that as Ping began to face more challenges her rate of development increased as well as these physical changes ping was face with many mental changes.
Independence is a pivotal attribute in order for survival. Independence is one of the hardest characteristics to gain in the novel. Ping gains independence at a relatively early stage. It is conspicuous that the idea of independence is expressed particularly in the scene where Ping meets her master. She makes it clear to him and I quote “ im not that little girl anymore… ive learnt to defend myself”.
Belonging Is a vital factor to ensure an exultant and joyful life. It’s the time of realisation. Realising where you want to be and realising who you really needs you and who you really need. Ping gains that sense of belonging towards the end of her journey to Tai Shi Mountain she says, “ I look back, I can’t believe it. Finally im here. I belong here. They need me here” There is a noticeable change in the length of the sentences in this quote.
Coming of age is the most valuable