Abortion in adolescence, debate in the classroom: An analysis of a controversial theme through a Young Adult Short Story

Some young adults would take a stance for abortion, but the truth is that a controversial topic as abortion results in adolescents taking either for or against stances. Nowadays, teenage pregnancy may be a recurrent issue for adolescents, leading them to form solid and polar convictions about abortion. Pro-choice and anti-choice abortion positions consequently have arise among adolescents. Young adults may need proper guidance from an adult in this issue because their beliefs would lead them to a fervent point of view disregarding opposite opinions on the matter. Teachers, as adults, should accompany young adults in their development of positions towards abortion. They may position themselves in the role of guiders and use the short story ‘Sparks Fly Upwards’ in order to discuss the polemic subject of abortion.

Orange Identity: An Analysis of a Young Adult Story with Absent Parental Figures

Even as kids reach adolescence, they need more than ever for us to watch over them. Adolescence is not about letting go. It's about hanging on during a very bumpy ride.

Ron Taffel

            Adolescents’ developing identity has been the source of inspiration of uncountable Young Adult stories. From the many elements that produce the “bumpy ride,” the presence or absence of parental figures receives particular attention for the considerable significance that the factor has over said development. Neil Gaiman’s short story “Orange” is no exception. In it, 15 years-old Nerys becomes obsessed with tanning creams and mutates into an orange entity. This drastic transformation unfolds under no supervision of her parents, who seem to be highly enjoying their brand-new divorced status. “Orange” wisely portrays Nerys’ search of her identity in a context where commercial products represent a more reliable presence than her parents. This paper will explore the negative consequences that the absence of stable and clearly-defined parental roles can have over adolescents' developing identity as presented in the story “Orange.”