# Coming of Age and Sexuality in Mary, Mary

> Theme guide for Mary, Mary by James Stephens.

Mary's transition from childhood to womanhood is marked by her awakening body, her curiosity about men and marriage, her attraction to the policeman, and her confusion about sexual desire, as she navigates the gap between romantic ideals and real encounters.

## Where it surfaces

- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/iii): Mary's dawning curiosity about men, her confusion about sex as merely a matter of clothing, and her fascination with being hit by a man signal early sexual awakening.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/iv): Mary's fascination with the policeman's powerful body and her mesmerized reaction to his gaze suggest emerging sexual awareness and the thrill of being noticed.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/v): Mary's body is beginning to show signs of womanhood, and her mother's anxiety reflects the tension around this transition.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/viii): The letting down of the last tuck and the rolling up of her hair mark Mary's transition into young womanhood, and she notices admiring glances from young men.
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/x): Mary's encounter with the policeman highlights her awakening to adult social dynamics and her discomfort with her own body and attire.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/xiv): Mary's observation of courting couples and her own romantic disappointment highlight her emerging awareness of love and heartbreak.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/xvi): Mary's entry into work marks the beginning of womanhood, with emotions and aspirations she will not share with her mother.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/xvii): Mary's first day of work marks a transition into adulthood; her thoughts about the policeman reveal emerging romantic and sexual feelings, as she imagines comforting him physically.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/xviii): Mary's intense shame and terror upon seeing the policeman reflect her awakening to adult emotions and the complexities of desire and betrayal.
- [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/chapters/xxxi): Mrs. Makebelieve reflects on Mary's transition from childhood to adulthood, recognizing that her daughter is no longer a child and is eager to undertake life on her own behalf.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/themes/coming_of_age_and_sexuality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/mary_mary_se/themes