Coming-of-Age Genre Conventions!!

 Conventions of Coming-of-Age

    With extensive research throughout this week, we have outlined the important conventions that a coming-of-age film would include. 

    Plot

        The plot of coming-of-age films tends to include a conflict vs. self or society. This along with a relationship between the main protagonist and another character is a basis of these types of films. Many subplots that might be incorporated might be bullying, sexuality, rebellion, society norms and how the character(s) overcome those expectations, acculturation (a way of adapting into a society both physically and mentally), and a type of loss of innocence. 

    Characters

        Characters of this genre are usually in the ages between 15-18 and in high school. They generally have a sort of transformation between the beginning and ending of the film, but not always. In this transformation they become much more mentally mature and have an understanding of things that they did not before. Absent parents or strained relationships with parents is also a common attribute in coming-of-age films. Some common main character types include: the boy/girl next door, innocent, rebels, jocks, misfits, etc. These are very stereotypical high school labels and tend to be incorporated in coming-of-age films.

    Target Audience

        The target audience is around the ages 16 and 21. This is because the audience can easily relate to the film and its general content. 

    Setting/Props

        In a coming-of-age film, the character's home environment and school are many times a main setting for the narrative. A character's home life and bedroom allows for their unspoken of personality show through visual details. Places like shopping malls and bowling institutions are often associated with normal teenage activities that one would go with friends. 

    Sources

        Constructs of the Media. (n.d.). Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://jessspeakemedia.blogspot.com/search/label/genre%20analysis

        8 Common Cliches of Coming-of-Age Stories | Kingdom Pen. (n.d.). https://kingdompen.org/8-common-cliches-of-coming-of-age-stories/

        Gemmagosdeng321. (2016, October 4). Gemma Gosden G321: Coming of Age Genre: Codes, Conventions and Target Audience. Gemma Gosden G321. https://gemmagosdeng321mediastudies.blogspot.com/2016/10/coming-of-age-genre-codes-conventions.html

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