Exploring Literary Characters: The Teenage Struggle and Harmful Media

Writing about literary characters that resonate with our personal experiences can be a deeply insightful process. In this article, we will explore the personal connections drawn between different readers and beloved characters from various works. Specifically, we will highlight two characters: Spider-Man, a relatable figure for many teenagers, and Mike Teavee from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Both characters offer a window into challenges and struggles that are commonly encountered during adolescence.

Spider-Man: Teen Struggles and Perseverance

Spider-Man, as depicted in most iterations, is a character often relatable for teenagers. His core appeal lies in his teenage experiences - he faces numerous obstacles and hardships that parallel the difficulties of growing up. Like Spider-Man, many teenagers struggle with finding their place in the world, often with little success and few friends. His persistent desire to help others, despite the odds and personal setbacks, mirrors the resilience of young people facing their own adversities.

Mike Teavee: The Tragic Attraction to Harmful Media

Although Mike Teavee from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory may not be the most immediately recognizable name, his story resonates deeply with many of us. Being a child of the 1980s, I can identify with the allure of excessive television consumption. In the 1964 book by Roald Dahl, Mike Teavee's story is a cautionary tale about the impact of overexposure to media on children. This is a message that is tragically relevant to many of us who ended up spending a great deal of time in front of the screen.

Connection Through Media and Misinterpretation

I had a strong affinity for Disney's 1989 version of The Little Mermaid, which I saw as more wholesome than the original 1837 version by Hans Christian Andersen. However, I now recognize that Andersen's intention was to remind readers of the dangers of believing everything they hear. Furthermore, the Disney version, while seemingly more benign at first glance, does not escape the inclusion of violence. In Andersen's original, the Sea Witch's actions are not as sinister, and the consequences of her actions are less severe.

Negative Impact of Excessive Media Consumption

Specifically, Mike Teavee's comment, "I don't like television myself. I suppose it's all right in small doses, but children never seem to be able to take it in small doses," reflects my own struggle. As a child, I was an insatiable consumer of television, which undoubtedly made it difficult for me to appreciate fantasy and imagination fully. In particular, I now understand that the song the Oompa-Loompas sing about the dangers of watching too much TV highlights how media can 'rot the senses in the head,' 'kill imagination,' and 'clog and clutter the mind.'

Books as an Alternative to Harmful Media

After realizing the negative impact of excessive television, I wish I had discovered a variety of books at a younger age. Books such as Pollyanna, Maybelle the Cable Car, and The Fossil Book: A Record of Prehistoric Life would have been invaluable in my development. These books nurtured my imagination and provided a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world. However, I also acknowledge that even with books, one must be cautious. Each story can have its own hidden messages and moral dilemmas, as seen in The Cuckoo Clock of Doom from R. L. Stine's Goosebumps series, where a child erases a sibling from existence.

Ultimately, while literature is undoubtedly beneficial, it is essential to consume media in moderation. Both TV and books have their place, but balanced consumption is key. Understanding the impact of what we consume - whether it's a TV show or a book - is crucial for our personal growth and wellbeing.