American Teenagers Similar to The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq; by William Thackeray :: Memoirs Barry Lyndon Thackeray Essays

American Teenagers Similar to "The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq;" by William Thackeray "The Memoirs of Barry Lyndon, Esq;" by William Thackeray, is a story that follows an Irishman who wishes and makes attempts to become a bougeiouse nobleman during the 18th century. Upon first reading the novel, I couldn't help but notice a peculiar feeling I developed towards the story: it has a lot in common with an American teenager's life! Of course, it seems rather absurd to compare the story of an 18th century Irishman to a contemporary American teenager lifestyle, but closer inspection of the novel proves that a lot of Barry's experiences, desires, fears, and emotions have very interesting similarities with those of an American teenager. In Barry's younger years, he wished to join the upper-class and be viewed as a nobleman among society. Many teenagers of the present day can relate to these desires. For what American teenager does not wish himself to be more wealthier and perceived as more socially-signifigant? Barry feels that joining the British Army will strenghten his social identity and help him move up in the world. It is interesting how Barry's desires to join the Army are similar to a teenager's desire to join a clique/sporting team. Teenagers often try to find a strong social identity by joining a clique that appears to have some sort of social signifigance. For what is so different about Barry wanting to join the Army from a geeky kid wanting to join his high school football team? Both situations show men wanting to prove their worth by joining a group that promotes masculinity. The novel displays women as being objects of desire as well as sources of emotional chaos. The women in Barry's world create romance and passion but also bring about confusion, inadequecy, rejection, and heartbreak. Any teenage male can identify women like these in their world. High school and college can be times when dating is taken very casually and in a nonchallant manner. Teenage males can be very recognizable of women who elicit the same types of feelings Barry faces with his women. There are many females in Barry's world, but the feelings of intimacy are rather brief. Any teenage male can surely relate to Barry's love life. "The Memoiors of Barry Lyndon, Esq." is ultimately the story of a man who finds himself in the social status he always dreamed of, but finds that it is not as fulfilling as he though it'd be.