Final answer:
Marji's transformation into an adult encompasses mimicking adult behavior, facing life's challenges with responsibility, and maturing through social expectations. She navigates the milestones of adulthood, as delineated by Henig, adjusting her behaviors to align with societal norms and taking on new roles that signify her maturation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marji's journey towards adulthood is reflected not just through acting out "grownup" behavior, but through facing real-world challenges and taking on responsibilities. Early on, Marji attempts to mimic adult behaviors through play, pretending to be a mother or engaging in simulated telephone conversations. However, as life presents her with more complex situations, she must confront these with maturity. For instance, in the provided narrative about Jarrett, his realization that he should not use his daughter's illness as an excuse to discontinue his education and the example he wants to set for her, mirrors a form of adult accountability and responsibility.
Additionally, Robin Marantz Henig's concept that true adulthood is marked by five milestones (completing school, leaving home, becoming financially independent, marrying, and having a child) can serve as a framework to understand Marji's evolution. These milestones represent deeper societal expectations and the shift from dependency to self-sufficiency, they mark the transition into what is commonly recognized as adulthood. Marji's experiences and the decisions she makes in response to them, indicate her progress on this journey.
Finally, the process of socialization and the evolution of social roles also play a crucial part in Marji's maturation. As she navigates through various stages of her life, she experiences the social pressures to abandon the carefree pursuits of youth and embrace the responsibilities and commitments that come with being an adult. This complex process involves taking on new roles such as partner or parent, establishing a career path, and settling into society's expectations.