Anne Tyler's Short Story "Teenage Essay

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Donny's problems are discussed squarely through Daisy's perspective. The reader is never privy to how Donny feels, and only sees what he does through his mother's eyes. Interestingly, the reader can sense what Donny might be experiencing. He is instinctually rebellious, resenting the restrictions on his life that school and curfews pose. Donny takes well to Cal because of Cal's permissive attitude. Anytime Daisy confronts Donny with a problem, Donny reacts with irritability and anger. The reader also becomes frustrated, as Daisy does everything she possibly can from showering Donny with love and praise to taking a more hands-off approach.

Cal's role becomes one of the more poignant aspects of "Teenage Wasteland." Because Donny's dad is only mentioned once or twice in the story, it is apparent that Cal acts as a sort of surrogate father or older brother. Daisy does not comment on her husband's lack of presence in Donny's life. She does not speculate as to how her husband Matt might be able to help Donny.

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The omission of Matt from the story and the inclusion of Cal are important from Daisy's point-of-view.

Told from Donny's point-of-view, the story might have been more about teenage anger than about a mother's sadness. Point-of-view is critical in "Teenage Wasteland," allowing a glimpse into the mind of a mom who tries hard to help her son. Donny's perspective is almost irrelevant because it is his objective actions and truant behaviors that are impacting Daisy. Cal's role in the story is unique, as Daisy does describe how his voice "soothed" her in the same way he might soothe one of his students (paragraph 81). The reader is meant to sympathize with Daisy, who feels nothing but love and compassion for her troubled….....

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"Anne Tyler's Short Story Teenage" (2010, February 23) Retrieved June 7, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/anne-tyler-short-story-teenage-14772

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"Anne Tyler's Short Story Teenage" 23 February 2010. Web.7 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/anne-tyler-short-story-teenage-14772>

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"Anne Tyler's Short Story Teenage", 23 February 2010, Accessed.7 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/anne-tyler-short-story-teenage-14772
   

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