That Awkward Moment as a Coming of Age Theme
A major source of humor is the coming of age theme, that awkward moment. Characters create it themselves or with "help" from others, sometimes aware of it, sometimes not. Though not the only coming of age theme that triggers our laughter, it's among the funniest. This coming of age theme appears often in Meet Me on the Paisley Roof.
Sixteen-year-old Trussell Jones has his moments with this coming of age theme. He wants to show the love of his life, Ellen, and her parents just how much he has matured. When he is introduced to her parents, he blurts out "I've stopped shooting birds, Mrs. Harmond!" But do the Harmonds really understand the context of Trussell's remark? The answer is in the book for your reading pleasure.
Or, sometimes Trussell has help floundering through this coming of age theme of awkwardness as when he shows up to play the piano on a live TV show. With his shirt all sweat-stained from a long, hot bicycle ride, the stage manager finds Trussell another shirt, a dazzling bejeweled cowboy shirt, and tells him to wear it. So, what happens when this teenager confronts this coming of age theme? It's in the book!
This coming of age theme strikes again. Trussell receives a drawing of a bare-bosomed Ellen. Does he continue the coming of age theme by inviting Ellen to his "art gallery?" You'd be surprised.
This coming of age theme occurs throughout the book. Teens trip over more than just their feet.
Looking for a book with a good coming of age theme? Get your copy of Meet Me on the Paisley Roof today!
