Coming of Age

The Coming of Age theme is an important one in literature because a character(s) passes a crucial test or reaches a certain point in life that separates them from childhood. This point can be different for every character due to age and circumstances. Some characters reach this point early due to a certain traumatic situation while others mature more gradually into adulthood.

In The Silver Branch, Flavius and Justin are relatively inexperienced young men who come of age due to difficult circumstances. Being at war propels these two into adult situations which force them to grow and mature quickly. Their values system is tried at first when they see Allectus meeting in secret with the Saxon man. Their attempts to warn Carausius are thwarted by Allectus and they feel as if Carausius has ostracized them. However, they continue to act nobly and loyally...