Coming of Age

Coming of age texts typically involve protagonists who develop a deep understanding of themselves, their identity. Thes individuals have to overcome their boundaries and obstacles of life with the assistance of friends and family. Cameron and Jess from 'The Underdog' and 'Bend it Like Beckam' each face the conflicts of their coming of age that are associated with their family, independence, romance and identity. They both come into terms with their coming of age and try to overcome the trials in life with the help of others.

Both of the protagonists in this story struggle with obtaining independence as they are held back by the barriers created in their lives. Jess is a strong- willed girl, she is determined about doing what she wants and loves, yet her parents resitrict her from gaining this independence. Jess is an indian girl, tradition and culture are very important to her family. Her mother is austere, obstinate person who insists that Jess follows the traditional customs of India. (quote). Jess is finally understood by her father who supports her football dream, she tells her mum that (Quote)Cameron wolfe is another person who craves independence, however, since his family have financial problems, he is unable to obtain idependence. This forces himself to somehow make money for himself; he does this with his brother, Rueben, who is in an equal state of unobtainment of independence. They fight every week downtown where they would get $50 dollars if they win the fights. By doing this, it also forces the brothers to a new 'low'. Cameron wishes that(quote) Although he sunk to a new 'low', he gained his independence through the money he obtained and started to even help his family with buying them food.

Problems with their families are common as both Jess and Cameron's parents want the same from them; to have a good future that their parents chose out for them. In Cameron's case, the situation is quite different from Jess'; Cameron's father and brother seem to be ashamed of Cameron, of what he turned out to be. His elder, more sucessful brother stated that 'I can't believe we're brothers.'(P141) His father feels nearly the same way, he disregards Cameron in such a way that Cameron feels that 'He is no father.', Cameron's father feels that the son he raised had no gals in life, no morals,no purpose. However, when Cameron started to help out his father without Steve, his father learned to respect his son and what he had done for their family. Jess' family issue stops jess from gaining independence, her family do not trust her as they will believe whatever another says about Jess. In this case, the scene with Jules and Jess together laughing and hugging is interpreted as Jess kissing a white boy; something to be shunned in the Indian culture. Jess is also pressured into lying to her parents and going behind their back which does not help her trust issue with her parents, but she needs to overcome this problem of trust in her family. She admits all the things she has done without their permission and gradually regains the trust of her parents.(quote)

Love is a big aspect of coming of age, every teenager wants to love, to feel loved as they begin to mature and grow. Cameron desperately wants to find a girl as he 'feels beautiful to be alive, conscience free and awaiting a girl who was worth praying for."(P67) This statement said