An Analysis of Marlee’s Age in The Lions of Little Rock
In the novel “The Lions of Little Rock” by Kristin Levine, the age of the protagonist, Marlee, plays a significant role in shaping her character and the overall narrative. This expert article will analyze the importance of Marlee’s age within the context of the story, drawing upon information from various sources such as “The Lions of Little Rock Summary & Activities” by StoryboardThat, “The Lions of Little Rock Summary and Study Guide” by SuperSummary, and the guest blog review by Elena Reads and Reviews.
Marlee’s Age and Setting
Marlee’s age is established early on in the novel. According to the available resources, including StoryboardThat and Elena Reads and Reviews, Marlee is portrayed as a 12-year-old girl, on the verge of turning 13. This stage of adolescence is crucial in understanding Marlee’s personal growth and the challenges she faces throughout the story.
“The Lions of Little Rock” is set in the late 1950s in Little Rock, Arkansas. This historical context, as emphasized in the SuperSummary study guide, provides the backdrop for Marlee’s coming-of-age journey. Racial segregation and the fight for school integration form the societal challenges that Marlee and her community confront.
Marlee’s Coming-of-Age Journey
Marlee’s age is significant as it reflects her transition from childhood to adolescence. In this section, we will delve into how Marlee’s age and experiences contribute to her growth and transformation.
The SuperSummary study guide highlights Marlee’s struggle with shyness, which is a characteristic commonly associated with early adolescence. Her age becomes a catalyst for self-discovery, as she gradually finds her voice and develops the confidence to overcome her inhibitions.
Additionally, Marlee’s age serves as a lens through which readers can observe her evolving understanding of the racial prejudices prevalent in her community. The study guide points out that Marlee’s friendship with Liz, a “colored girl” passing for white, becomes a central theme in the novel. Marlee’s age allows her to question societal norms and challenge racial discrimination, demonstrating her growing awareness and resilience.
Marlee’s Impact on the Community
Marlee’s age not only shapes her personal growth but also contributes to the larger narrative of societal change and transformation. This section will explore the influence of Marlee’s age on the community and the fight against racial segregation.
As depicted in the SuperSummary study guide, Marlee’s determination to maintain her friendship with Liz inspires her parents and others in the community to take a stand against injustice. Despite the opposition from bigots and societal norms, Marlee’s age acts as a catalyst for change. Her efforts to keep her friendship alive help her find her voice and unite her family and friends in the fight for desegregation.
Conclusion
Marlee’s age in “The Lions of Little Rock” holds great significance within the narrative. As a 12-year-old girl approaching adolescence, Marlee undergoes a coming-of-age journey that is intertwined with the historical context of racial segregation in 1950s Little Rock, Arkansas. Her age becomes a catalyst for personal growth, self-discovery, and the transformation of her community. Through her experiences, Marlee challenges societal norms, finds her voice, and inspires others to take a stand against injustice.
FAQs
An Analysis of Marlee’s Age in The Lions of Little Rock
How old is Marlee at the beginning of “The Lions of Little Rock”?
Marlee is 12 years old, almost 13, at the beginning of the novel. This detail establishes her as a young girl on the cusp of adolescence.
In what time period does “The Lions of Little Rock” take place?
“The Lions of Little Rock” is set in the late 1950s in Little Rock, Arkansas. This historical context is important for understanding the challenges and societal issues faced by the characters in the story.
How does Marlee’s age contribute to her character development?
Marlee’s age is significant as it reflects her coming-of-age journey. As a young girl transitioning into adolescence, her age serves as a catalyst for personal growth, self-discovery, and the development of her voice and resilience.
How does Marlee’s age impact her relationships, particularly her friendship with Liz?
Marlee’s age plays a crucial role in her friendship with Liz, a “colored girl” passing for white. Despite the racial prejudices and societal norms of the time, Marlee’s age allows her to question and challenge these barriers, contributing to the strength and significance of their friendship.
How does Marlee’s age contribute to the broader narrative of social change?
Marlee’s age not only shapes her personal growth but also has an impact on the community and the fight against racial segregation. Through her determination and actions, inspired by her age, Marlee becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring her parents and others in the community to take a stand against injustice.
How does Marlee’s age reflect the historical context of the novel?
Marlee’s age reflects the historical context of the late 1950s in Little Rock, Arkansas, a period marked by racial segregation and civil rights struggles. Her experiences and coming-of-age journey are influenced by the challenges and societal issues of this time, adding depth and significance to her character.
Does Marlee’s age contribute to her resilience and determination?
Yes, Marlee’s age contributes to her resilience and determination. As a young girl on the verge of adolescence, she faces various challenges and obstacles. However, her age and experiences help her develop resilience, enabling her to overcome adversity and stand up against injustice.
How does Marlee’s age symbolize the theme of personal growth within the novel?
Marlee’s age symbolizes the theme of personal growth in “The Lions of Little Rock.” Through her journey from childhood to adolescence, she undergoes significant emotional and intellectual development. Her age represents the transformative period of adolescence and the opportunities for self-discovery and finding one’s voice.