A Wizard of Earthsea | Themes

A Wizard of Earthsea Themes

Coming of Age

Coming of age is a traditional theme in which the reader follows the growth of a child through the transition from childhood to adulthood. In this novel, the plot follows a young man from early adolescence until his late teens. The boy, Ged, begins as a self-centered young man, very much aware of his gifts in the arena of wizardry. Ged has been told many times that he will one day be a great wizard and he has allowed this knowledge to inflate his ego to a point where he is so full of confidence that he is sure he can do anything, even things he has yet to be taught. Ged also believes he is the only one who will ever do these things the very best.

Ged is impatient in his knowledge, impatient to learn, and impatient to begin his life of fame. However, there is a boy...
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