ABSTRACT
From the previous chapter, it should be clear that there is a difference between masculine and feminine plots and between strategies of othering in young adult (YA) fi ction, as compared to literature for younger readers, where genders are more interchangeable. Since male and female rites of passage, whether archaic or modern, follow different patterns, it should be anticipated that fi ctional representation of masculinity and femininity refl ects the actual situation, yet at the same time is affected by other power hierarchies. Since masculinity is traditionally given priority in power relationships, it would seem natural that in YA novels male protagonists must confi rm their masculinity, while female protagonists must negotiate their power position in compliance with patriarchal rules.
