Rites of passage are a key element in teen literature. These are moments where the character or characters do something where they essentially somehow cross the realm of adolescence into adulthood. They are extremely common throughout the genre and hold a special place in books for the characters and for the readers. There are several rites of passage in the novel Eleanor and Park. What makes these particular moments in the novel so special and so important is that they truly transform the character who goes through these rites of passage. An example of one of these moments is the fight between Parker and Steve. Many would say that this is simply a moment that could cause a transformation in Parker, but it is not important to the entire novel. The fact is that this moment is crucial, not only for Parker, but for the entire novel. Without this defining moment in Park's life, many other rites of passage may never have taken place, and his relationship with Eleanor may never have blossomed into what it became at the end of the novel. The fight between Park and Steve is the catalyst that radically transforms Park as a character and person, and paves the way for further rites of passage throughout the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay This fight that occurs between Park and Steve is one of the first moments that can be considered a “rite of passage.” Now, while this may seem like just a boys-being-boys moment, it's actually a moment that helps define Park for the rest of the novel. For the background of this moment in the novel Eleanor and Park have started to become more and more intimate, and on this particular day Steve, Park's pseudo "friend" and bully towards Eleanor, starts a song on the bus making fun of the Eleanor's hair, weight and shape. pretty much everything else a bully would tend to joke about. Park is clearly enraged by this and once he gets off the bus, he intends to fight Steve. This escalates to the point where Park kicks Steve in the face, knocking out one of his teeth (Rowell 130-131). Again, many argue that this is a rite of passage, but not as important as others because it's just a struggle. The difference between this rite of passage and the typical "guy fighting" rite of passage is that it shows a clear transition in Park that wasn't there before the fight occurred. Park wasn't technically targeted during this time in the novel, but Park implies that it's only because he's keeping low and has become "friends" with Steve and Tina. Arguing with Steve shows that he has become willing to stand up for what he loves or believes, even if it involves fisticuffs. To explain why this moment is so important in the novel, it is necessary to do a deeper analysis of this. rite of passage to see how it defines Park, and the story, for the rest of the novel. The first is that this moment clearly transforms Park as a person and adds more depth to his character. Before this fight Park is a shy guy who can only float under the radar and not make waves. This changes after the fight, as Park transforms into someone who isn't afraid to stand out. This is demonstrated when he says, “The fight had changed something on the bus…Maybe it was because he stood up to Steve.” (Rowell 139). His fight with Steve proves that he has the courage to be himself. This leads to more rites of passage, as Park defends himself. One such moment is when Park wants to wear makeup to school. Right now he has to stand up to his own parents to do what he wants to do. His.