The main character of Truman Capote's coming-of-age novel Other Voices, Other Rooms, Joel Knox Harrison, is thirteen when all of the book's events take place. This means he's teetering in between childhood and adulthood, on the cusp of being a manly man.
Between his croaking voice and the strange, overwhelming feelings he has for his girl friends, Joel is in a hormonal cauldron, and it's boiling. But beyond the health-class blues, Joel is also dealing with the mortality of his parents, which will make anyone sit and realize, Whoa! I'm on my own!
Questions About Coming of Age
- What does Zoo mean when she says that the tadpole has become a fish?
- What is the significance of Joel's age in the novel? Does it matter that he got the letter from Mr. Sansom/Randolph on his thirteenth birthday?
- Why does Joel kiss Idabel? Why do they fight so bitterly afterward?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Joel finally comes of age in the last scene of the novel.
Given his surroundings, Joel isn't able to come of age.