Initiation Stories

Initiation stories are unique in the way that readers can connect to them, especially young adults. The stories present an experience that is not unique to only one person, yet is an intimate experience that only the reader knows and feels as an individual. The stories we are drawn to are often very relatable and evoke strong emotions and memories. The lessons don’t have to be in the same context. But they carry the same message.

I will admit I was quite confused when the title I thought was Gloria, My Love, turned out to be a Gorilla, My Love. Don’t ask, I have no idea how that happened. But whether it be Stepdaughters, or A&P Gorilla, My Love, or Boys and Girls, a concise, focused snippet, or subject, is explored as the tipping point of a childhood. Gorilla, My Love ends with Hansel both clinging to the honesty and trustworthiness of her childhood as she experiences the disrespect and lies of adults all around her, and wanting to be treated as an adult. Or at least be shown the same common courtesy.

Boys and Girls struck home with its story of  ‘just a girl’. Even in today’s society of feminist movements and rights, this feeling of doing as a lady ought and the excuse of ‘she’s a girl’ is still found in sometimes- subtler undertones. Some things aren’t necessarily sexist, but can be disproven as false nonetheless. There is an exception to every rule. I am the oldest of four. When we were kids, I was also the strongest and fastest. But as we grew up, my brother, a year younger than me, soon surpassed me as he began to play football, lift weights, and run. We used to play in the woods and feed the chickens, race our big German Sheppard, and make forts out of piles of sticks. Now, not so much. You can call it genetics, but I know there are plenty of girls who can out run a guy. Despite shot-putting not being a ‘girl’ sport, in Stepdaughters, Stephanie still fought for what she loved and believed in.

Initiation isn’t just becoming a part of the ‘grown up world’, but also questioning the expectations of society and defending your beliefs and opinions. While the girl from Boys and Girls is crushed and conformed to society, Stephanie and Hanzel thrive and grow stronger. Even Sammy, despite his foreboding feeling at the end, chooses his path out of a noble and youthful impulse. They aren’t just growing up, they are beginning a new generation, another time within their narrow world.

It was interesting to see the different attitudes that authors describe men and women with, within their initiation story. The male protagonist, Sammy sees and appreciates the rebellion and fire and protest of young women, while also pitying them for exposing themselves in such a manner. He tries to defend them and become their hero, but they are long gone after being reprimanded. The stepfather in Stepdaughters, notes Stephanie’s determination and stubbornness and independence. While Sammy, observes first, the three girls’ appearances and then their attitude and manner.

Finding your place in society is a theme explored in all four initiation stories, as occupations and lives are pondered. Some pave their own way, while others succumb to the pressure of their environment. But the most important factor of initiation stories is the how the reader connects it to his or her own life and can relate on multiple levels, even when the plot may be vastly different.