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How Does Franklin Crabbe Mature

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Crabbe Literary Essay

In one’s life, a person goes through a certain processes to mature into an adult. In the book, Crabbe, by William Bell, a teen boy named Franklin Crabbe runs away from his old life which was preventing him from maturing the way he wanted to. Firstly, Franklin Crabbe experiences personal growth while staying in the wilderness. Secondly, Crabbe learns a various number of new life skills which he can use later in the future. Thirdly, Crabbe while being in the wilderness, he developed his independence. The experiences the main character Franklin Crabbe has while in wilderness contributes to his maturity into adulthood. Firstly, Franklin Crabbe experiences personal growth. Crabbe learns how to cope with other people and …show more content…

He learns these skills from Mary who had lots of experience and if he approaches any circumstance, he will know what to do. Mary had lots of skills that she passed on to Crabbe so that he can use them in the future. Overtime Mary taught Crabbe many different skills and techniques. Mary taught Crabbe how to get in a canoe properly and crab said, “In I got, after she showed me to do so properly.” (Crabbe 72). All these skills make a person into mature adult. In the beginning, Crabbe had no idea what to do when he got to the camp. When he fell off the waterfall, Mary saved him. She taught Crabbe many different techniques and skills to help him survive. Another incident which demonstrates that he is learning more skills is when Crabbe changes lot since the beginning of the book. If he comes across an obstacle he will be prepared and he will know what to do. When Mary died Crabbe made food for himself which he learned from Mary. If he never came in the woods, he would have never even known how to make some food and that is how he is maturing. He said, “I checked the stew and made some tea.” (Crabbe 123). Adults know how to make food so when Crabbe learned from Mary he has matured. One of his servants would have done it for him if he didn’t run away. This is how he has matured. Crabbe has gained many great skills over his time in the woods. He is ready for any circumstance whether it be in the woods or in the …show more content…

By the end of the novel, he doesn’t need anyone to do anything for him and he is beginning to accept himself in society. Crabbe does not need anyone to do anything for him now. He doesn’t really need his servants because he can handle himself now. He has matures greatly because of his trip into the woods. Mary taught him to be independent too, When she told him to lead the way into the woods she ran away to teach him to do things by himself. He had to go back to the camp himself. “Okay, Crabbe, lead us home.” (Crabbe 83). As she said that she ran away so Crabbe could spend some time alone in the woods to conquer his fear and become independent. Crabbe realized that he shouldn’t be dependent on others. Another incident which demonstrates that he is becoming independent is when Franklin Crabbe is beginning to accept himself in society. He is starting to live life according to him. “I want to be taken seriously, Dad, to run my own life. I’m not invisible. All my life I've been locked into other people's expectations.” (Crabbe 165) he said to his dad. He wants his dad to know that he mature enough now and he can handle himself. Crabbe is saying that he wants a say in his life and people can’t always tell him what to do like his teachers or his parents. This is why he ran away in the first place. Crabbe doesn’t need anyone anymore and he wants a say in his own life so therefore that makes him independent and being independent is an important

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