〈Novel Structure, Narration, Rhetoric, and Psychological Analysis〉–– Introduction to International Novel Works and Theoretical Analysis (Volume I) 12

Part Three, Chapter One

On the Creation of Young Adult Fiction

I. Definition of Young Adult Fiction

Young adult fiction is a literary genre created specifically for adolescent readers. Its themes typically revolve around coming-of-age experiences, self-exploration, and the development of an understanding of society. Such novels focus not only on the psychological changes adolescents undergo, but also portray the various challenges and emotional entanglements they experience through interactions with family, friends, school, and the broader social environment.

Definitions and Characteristics

1. Target Readers
   The primary audience of young adult fiction consists of adolescents, generally referring to readers between the ages of 12 and 18.
2. Themes
   Common themes include friendship, love, family relationships, personal growth, identity formation, and social issues. These themes help adolescent readers reflect on themselves and the society they inhabit.
3. Emotion and Conflict
   These works frequently depict inner struggles and external conflicts, revealing the complex emotions adolescents experience while exploring their identities and confronting challenges.
4. The Process of Growth
   Young adult novels usually contain a journey of growth, during which the protagonist undergoes transformation, gradually matures, and ultimately finds their place in the world.
5. Narrative Style
   The narrative style is often direct, with concise and accessible language designed to capture the attention of young readers.

Examples

Well-known young adult novels include:

• The Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling):
  This series tells the story of the young wizard Harry Potter’s adventures at a school of magic and his struggle, alongside his friends, against dark forces.
• Looking for Alaska (John Green):
  The novel explores adolescent friendship and loss through the perspective of the protagonist.
• The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald):
  Although originally written for adult readers, this work is often recommended to adolescents for its depiction of the disillusionment of the American Dream and the pursuits of young people.

Young adult fiction is not only an important part of adolescent literature, but also a profound reflection of adolescent life. It helps young readers understand their relationship with themselves and the world. Readers seeking a deeper understanding of young adult fiction may consult more specialized studies and critical literature that examine the genre’s diversity and cultural influence.

Young adult fiction consists of literary works written specifically for adolescents, typically centered on young characters’ growth and exploration, identity formation, friendship, family, and social issues. Its purpose is to evoke resonance and reflection in readers while offering both entertainment and educational value. Characteristic features include clear and straightforward language, tightly structured plots, rich imagination, and diverse character designs.

Typical elements of young adult fiction also include realistic portrayals of adolescent psychology and social environments, with a strong emphasis on the characters’ decision-making and growth when facing challenges. Such structural and thematic designs aim to help young readers understand the relationship between self and world, while stimulating imagination and creativity.

II. Renowned Young Adult Novelists and Representative Works

(1) Notable Taiwanese Young Adult Novelists and Their Representative Works

In Taiwan, several prominent writers have made significant contributions to young adult fiction. The following are noteworthy authors and their representative works:

1. Chung Chao-cheng (鍾肇政)
   Chung Chao-cheng is a renowned Taiwanese writer whose works often focus on social issues and human nature. His classic novel Turbid Flowers (Lu Bing Hua) depicts the hardships of rural life in Taiwan and the pursuit of a better existence. The book holds an important place in Taiwanese literary history and has influenced many later writers.
2. Li Tung (李潼)
   Li Tung, a well-known writer residing in Yilan, authored Young Kavalan, a novel that explores the history and culture of the Kavalan people through the protagonist Pan Xin-ge’s journey through time. The narrative combines fictional storytelling with historical facts, allowing readers to experience adventure and personal growth while gaining insight into local culture and historical heritage. The novel’s rich imagination and emotional depth enable adolescent readers to resonate with history, enhancing its educational value.
3. Cheng Ching-wen (鄭清文)
   Ah Hui’s Heart portrays a young boy’s struggles and exploration amid family relationships, friendship, and personal growth. The story centers on Ah Hui, who faces the emotional impact of his parents’ divorce and the breakdown of his family. As he searches for his place in a state of confusion and loneliness, he gradually grows with the support of his friends. Through delicate narration, the novel vividly presents Ah Hui’s inner struggles and emotional fluctuations, allowing readers to empathize deeply. Beyond depicting friendships, the work delves into Ah Hui’s complex feelings toward family and his reflections on the future, conveying both the pain and hope inherent in the process of growing up.

(2) Renowned International Young Adult Novelists and Representative Works

The following is a list of internationally renowned young adult novelists and their representative works:

• J.K. Rowling
  Representative Work: The Harry Potter Series
  Description: Chronicles the growth of a young wizard, Harry Potter, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, exploring themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil.
• C.S. Lewis
  Representative Work: The Chronicles of Narnia
  Description: A series of fantasy stories depicting the adventures of several children in the magical kingdom of Narnia.
• Roald Dahl
  Representative Work: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
  Description: Tells the story of young Charlie’s wondrous adventure in a chocolate factory, examining themes of greed and kindness.
• Mário de Andrade
  Representative Work: A Menina que Aprendeu a Ver (The Girl Who Learned to See)
  Description: Portrays the interplay of fantasy and reality in a girl’s growth through her perspective.
• Harper Lee
  Representative Work: To Kill a Mockingbird
  Description: Through the eyes of a young girl, Scout, the novel exposes racial discrimination in the American South and explores moral education.
• Mark Twain
  Representative Work: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
  Description: Narrates Huck’s journey along the Mississippi River with the escaped slave Jim, addressing themes of race and morality.
• J.R.R. Tolkien
  Representative Work: The Hobbit
  Description: Follows Bilbo Baggins on an adventurous journey that explores courage and personal growth.
• Lewis Carroll
  Representative Work: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
  Description: Tells of a girl named Alice who enters a fantastical dream world, encountering numerous strange creatures and events.

Through their works, these authors delve deeply into themes central to adolescent growth, including friendship, courage, morality, and the interweaving of fantasy and reality. Readers seeking further insight are encouraged to consult literary criticism and analytical studies related to these works.

III. Narrative Structures of Young Adult Fiction

The narrative structures of young adult fiction typically include the following major forms, each with distinct characteristics in plot development and character construction:

1. Coming-of-Age Narrative Structure
   Characteristics: Emphasizes the protagonist’s growth and transformation, often accompanied by psychological challenges and experiences.
   Example: J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye depicts Holden Caulfield’s experiences in New York, exploring his transition from adolescence to adulthood and his disillusionment with the world.
2. Adventure Narrative Structure
   Characteristics: Centers on the protagonist’s journey of adventure, usually involving external challenges and conflicts.
   Example: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series—especially Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone—presents Harry’s adventures at a magical school, which also serve as a journey of self-discovery.
3. Problem-Solving Narrative Structure
   Characteristics: Focuses on how the protagonist confronts and resolves specific problems, highlighting solutions and personal growth.
   Example: Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, in which Anne Shirley overcomes the challenges of orphanhood and social prejudice through intelligence and optimism.
4. Multiple-Viewpoint Narrative Structure
   Characteristics: Presents the story through multiple perspectives, adding complexity and depth.
   Example: Katherine Arbon’s Hilda’s Fantastical Adventures, which explores the protagonist’s growth and adventures in a fantasy world through the viewpoints of different characters.

These narrative structures provide frameworks for plot development and character growth, enabling readers to find resonance and inspiration. Each structure possesses its own narrative appeal, attracting readers of different age groups.

IV. Major Constituent Elements of Young Adult Fiction

Young adult fiction is a literary genre created specifically for adolescents, often addressing themes of growth, exploration, and self-identity. The following are its main constituent elements, illustrated with classic examples:

1. Protagonists’ Growth and Exploration
   Example: In the Harry Potter series, Harry not only confronts challenges in the magical world, but also grows through friendship, courage, and responsibility.
2. Family and Social Relationships
   Example: In Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout’s growth is closely tied to her understanding of her father, neighbors, and social injustice, reflecting the influence of family and society on adolescents.
3. Friendship and Group Dynamics
   Example: In Qian Zhongshu’s Fortress Besieged, the friendships and conflicts among young people reveal the complexity of adolescence and emphasize the impact of groups on individuals.
4. Conflict and Challenge
   Example: In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the conflict between Gatsby’s dreams and reality symbolizes adolescents’ struggle between ideals and reality.
5. Emotion and Self-Identity
   Example: In Cao Wenxuan’s The Grass House, the protagonist’s emotional fluctuations during growth reveal the formation of self-identity.
6. Adventure and Exploration
   Example: Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe portrays Crusoe’s adventures on a deserted island, reflecting themes of self-exploration and engagement with the world.

Through these elements, young adult fiction not only offers entertainment and adventure, but also helps readers understand the challenges and emotions inherent in growing up. Together, these components create a rich and meaningful narrative space in which adolescent readers can find resonance and inspiration.

V. Classic Protagonists, Supporting Characters (Allies and Mentors), and Antagonists in Young Adult Fiction

Characters in young adult fiction often possess vivid personalities and emotional depth, reflecting the challenges and growth of adolescence. The following outlines classic character types—protagonists, supporting characters (allies and mentors), and antagonists—illustrated with well-known works:

1. Classic Protagonists

Protagonists typically stand at the center of the story, facing challenges and personal growth.

• Harry Potter (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling):
  A young wizard who confronts dark forces while exploring his identity and friendships.
• Alvin Potter (Alvin’s Secret by Robert Munsch):
  A courageous boy who comes to understand his abilities and self-worth through adventure and challenge.

2. Classic Supporting Characters (Allies and Mentors)

These characters provide support, guidance, or challenges that propel the narrative.

• Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling):
  Harry’s loyal friend, offering intelligence and courage that help him survive in the magical world.
• Watson (Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle):
  As Holmes’s assistant, Watson aids in solving mysteries and exemplifies loyalty and friendship.
• Peter Pan (Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie):
  A guide for children, embodying carefree spirit and inspiring them to pursue dreams with courage.

3. Classic Antagonists

Antagonists pose challenges to protagonists and drive narrative conflict.

• Voldemort (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling):
  The principal antagonist, whose presence threatens Harry and his friends, symbolizing fear and darkness.
• The White Witch (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis):
  A villain who rules Narnia through magic and cruelty, testing the protagonists’ courage.
• Gollum (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien):
  A complex antagonist embodying the desire for power and inner struggle, influencing the heroes’ journey.

The character designs in young adult fiction not only enrich narrative development, but also reflect the internal and external challenges faced by adolescents. Through these classic characters, readers can find resonance and contemplate the significance of personal growth and human relationships.

V. Narrative Techniques in Young Adult Fiction

Narrative techniques in young adult fiction are diverse and often combine multiple approaches in order to engage young readers while conveying profound themes. The following are several commonly used narrative methods, accompanied by examples from well-known works:

1. First-Person Narration

The first-person perspective allows readers to more easily identify with the protagonist and to directly experience the character’s inner world and emotions.

• The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
  The story is told largely through Harry’s perspective, enabling readers to directly sense his fears, friendships, and personal growth.
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  Although the story is primarily narrated from Nick Carraway’s perspective, it explores the dreams and disillusionments of young people.

2. Third-Person Omniscient Narration

The omniscient point of view allows the author to portray the inner thoughts of multiple characters while offering a broader narrative perspective.

• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
  The story is told by an omniscient narrator who recounts the adventures of four children, allowing readers to understand each character’s inner motivations.
• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  Although not written specifically as a young adult novel, the narrative is rich in themes of adolescent growth and exploration. Its use of third-person omniscient narration enriches the complexity of the plot.

3. Flashbacks and Retrospective Narration

By revisiting past events through memory, this technique enhances narrative depth and emotional resonance.

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
  The entire story is constructed through the protagonist’s recollections, revealing his past experiences and inner conflicts.
• The Pursuit of Happyness by Chris Gardner
  Although a biographical work, its narrative techniques can be aligned with those of young adult fiction, emphasizing themes of growth and perseverance.

4. Adventure and Coming-of-Age Narratives

This narrative structure typically centers on the protagonist’s adventures, emphasizing growth and self-discovery.

• Life of Pi by Yann Martel
  Through Pi’s adventurous journey, the novel explores faith, courage, and the complexity of human nature.
• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
  The story portrays Crusoe’s solitary survival and personal development, using adventure to illuminate the challenges of survival and the significance of growth.

5. The Integration of Realism and Fantasy

This approach creates rich narrative worlds by blending realistic elements with fantasy.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
  By combining everyday childhood experiences with the fantastical chocolate factory, the novel captivates young readers while conveying the importance of friendship and family.
• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
  Through the fantasy element of time travel, the series leads young readers to explore history and adventure.

Through these varied narrative techniques, young adult fiction offers readers a rich and engaging reading experience. These methods not only help young readers understand complex emotions and themes of growth, but also allow them to find resonance within the stories. For writers, mastering these narrative techniques is a fundamental step toward creating compelling young adult fiction.

VI. How to Write an Outstanding Young Adult Novel: A Writing Plan

Creating an outstanding young adult novel requires careful planning and creative thinking. The following is a detailed writing plan, accompanied by examples from well-known young adult works.

(1) Clarifying Theme and Emotional Focus

1. Theme Selection
   Identify the core theme of the novel, such as growth, friendship, courage, adventure, or self-discovery.
   Example: The Harry Potter series explores the importance of friendship and courage.
2. Emotional Tone
   Determine the overall emotional tone of the work, which may be lighthearted and humorous, warm and touching, or tense and suspenseful.
   Example: The Little Prince conveys a tone filled with warmth and philosophical reflection.

(2) World-Building

1. Setting Design
   Create an engaging world by carefully depicting the environment, social structures, and cultural background.
   Example: In The Chronicles of Narnia, Narnia is a world where magic and mystery coexist, stimulating readers’ imaginations.
2. Character Design
   Develop distinctive characters—including protagonists, supporting characters, and antagonists—to enrich the narrative.
   Example: In The Jungle Book, characters such as Mowgli and Baloo symbolize growth and courage.

(3) Plot Construction

Narrative Progression (Beginning, Development, Climax, Resolution)

1. Introduction
   Introduce the protagonist and setting, and establish the starting point of the adventure.
   Example: In Fantastic Mr. Fox, the fox family’s adventure begins with their provocation of human farmers.
2. Development
   Present the protagonist’s growth through a series of challenges and conflicts.
3. Climax
   Create a tense and exciting climax that tests the protagonist’s intelligence and courage.
4. Conclusion
   Provide a satisfying ending that resolves the main conflicts.
   Example: In The Hobbit, Bilbo ultimately returns home with a renewed sense of self and life experience.

(4) Character Development

1. Protagonist
   Create a compelling protagonist who can evoke readers’ empathy and identification.
   Example: In Life of Pi, Pi’s experiences demonstrate courage and the will to survive.
2. Supporting Characters and Antagonists
   Design supporting roles and antagonists that drive the plot forward and add narrative complexity.
   Example: In Gulliver’s Travels, Gulliver’s journey is populated by a variety of intriguing characters and social commentary.

(5) Narrative Techniques

1. Narrative Perspective
   Choose an appropriate narrative perspective (first-person, third-person, etc.).
   Example: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory employs third-person narration to provide a comprehensive narrative view.
2. Language and Style
   Use vivid language and concrete imagery to enhance the story’s visual impact.
   Example: In A Wrinkle in Time, lively metaphors and delicate descriptions immerse readers in the narrative world.

(6) Revision and Feedback

1. Draft Revision
   After completing the first draft, conduct multiple rounds of revision, focusing on plot coherence, character development, and linguistic fluency.
2. Reader Feedback
   Collect feedback from the target audience and make corresponding adjustments and improvements.

(7) Recommended Classic Works

• The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling:
  Adventures set in a magical school that explore themes of friendship and growth.
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:
  Explores life’s philosophical meanings through the Little Prince’s interstellar journey.
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis:
  Depicts the adventures of four children in Narnia, embodying the spirit of courage and sacrifice.

Writing an outstanding young adult novel requires not only rich plotlines and vivid characters, but also the ability to move readers through carefully crafted themes and emotions. Through systematic planning and thoughtful design, writers can effectively convey the spirit and enduring appeal of young adult fiction.