Question

What can you conclude about American society and values from the literature available to teenagers before YA?

Answer 1

Before Young Adult (YA) literature came into existence, the material that was available to teenagers mirrored conservative and traditional American society and ideals. The books stressed coming-of-age tales with a strong emphasis on moral lessons and family, community, and familial values, and frequently punished characters who went against social conventions. Along with the significance of education and intellectual pursuits, the main cultural values of hard work, self-discipline, and personal responsibility were also strongly emphasized. But since these books mainly featured white, middle-class characters and infrequently discussed topics pertaining to race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, it reflects a less inclusive and accepting society. In general, the literature that was available to teenagers before YA was didactic and sought to teach in young readers traditional ideals and social conventions.

Answer 2

Prior to the creation of Young Adult literature, the literature that was available to teens reflected conventional and conservative American culture and ideas. The novels emphasized coming-of-age stories with a focus on moral teachings and family, community, and familial values. Characters who disobeyed societal norms were regularly punished in the works. The importance of education and intellectual pursuits was extensively emphasized, and the major cultural values of hard work, self-discipline, and personal responsibility were as well. But because the majority of the protagonists in these works were white middle-class people, and because issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation were rarely covered, it speaks to a society that is less welcoming and inclusive. Before YA, teen fiction was often didactic and aimed to instill conventional values in its young readers.