NF Critical Analysis: “Teen Fiction Plots Are Darker And Starker”

  In “Teen Fiction Plots Are Darker And Starker,” the author, William Porter, wants us to know that YA fiction has gotten more graphic and intense over the last 10 years, and even though “gatekeepers” try to encourage authors to make their books more appropriate with limitations, they can’t overlook the benefits that come from YA books, in which give some readers some sort of escape or coping mechanism for their actual lives. One thing Porter does is support his claims in the article with a real-life example, to make it relatable to his readers. For example, after he stated, “These darker books reflect what today’s teens… see in their…world.” Then he follows that with, “ It’s not all Harry Potter or the ‘Twilight’ vampire series,” which are very well known titles and easily relatable. Porter also includes perspectives on this issue from actual authors who write YA books, like David Levithan’s view on “nutshell blurbs” making things seem “grimmer” . Also, the very first sentence in the article was cleverly written to show how greatly teen fiction has changed, by comparing it with, “headline news.” All these examples show how YA fiction has changed to become more dark and profane only to match the deformed and scarring world in which we live in.

        William Porter expects to convince his readers that YA fiction shouldn’t have limitations, because ‘gatekeepers’ are ignoring the greater value and the positive effect it has on teens with struggles in their lives. Porter achieves this by somehow making his entire article one massive counterclaim. Not only does he admit to YA fiction being gruesome and a horrible portrayal of our world, but he counters that by explaining the benefit in that, especially for kids who aren’t as privileged as others. Also, he purposefully includes an author’s perspective knowing that it will most likely strengthen his argument. For example, David Levithan supports the author’s “counter claim” by saying, “teens can explore these themes and use them to deal with issues in their own lives.” Not only is this quote in favor of this author’s argument, but it also proves that many other people (including Levithan) agree with this purpose.

  I think this article really strengthened my view on this topic of YA books, and their hidden value when it came to troubled teens. I already felt that teen literature shouldn’t have limitations, so it didn’t exactly change my opinion. But it made it so I could argue my opinion if I had to, because of how well worded this argument was portrayed. In conclusion, if this article shaped my opinion in any way, it was  by making it stronger than it was before, and making this topic even more relatable to not only me, but probably to other teens out there as well.