Sunset On the Veld

Though the universal character in the story, known as “the boy,” feels he is already mature enough to be an adult. The story symbolizes that much more than physical change is involved in the process of maturity. In the title, the word sunrise stands for, not only early in the day, but also early in the boy’s life. And, the word veld symbolizes the world, his outlook of the world, and possibly that there is danger in the world. The first line, “The first bird woke,” (1) represents starting early in life, which could mean that the boy is trying to mature too quickly, and he probably cannot handle it. The fact that the boy had come to hunt the birds, but he was too late shows the im

The ideas that the boy derives from his imagination show that he is immature by themselves. The gun that is carried is a symbol for maturity, yet the boy carelessly swings it around as a toy. The boy produces unrecognizable noises and runs madly and carelessly “like a wild thing,” (1). The boy was not thinking of safety; he did not care, so he jumped around wildly. Swinging a gun, making weird noises, running and jumping around madly; these are definitely not acts of maturity. Adulthood involves thinking ahead about possible consequences and not necessarily doing what sounds fun, but what is in the best interest of others.

in the world I cannot make a part of myself, if I choose. I can change

All the great men of the world have been as I am now, and

Realizing the ways of nature is a major step toward maturity and adulthood. The boy in the story gradually realizes that his idea of life is inaccurate, and he announces, “I can’t stop it. I can’t stop it. There’s nothing I can do,” (2). This statement shows that the boy finally decides to let nature take its place.

everything that is going to happen: it depends on me, and what I

maturity and irresponsibility that the young boy has, and he did not care. The boy also looks at the clouds and daydreams. These characteristics support the idea that the boy is not an adult. He may feel that the world revolves around him, but he is still a child in reality and he needs to enjoy that while it lasts.

Some topics in this essay:
Doris Lessing, Road Adulthood, road adulthood, maturity boy, process maturity, sound pain, realize role nature, Veld” Doris, veld” doris lessing, realize role, major step, world world, doris lessing, role nature, world life,