In Randolph Stowe's novel, "MERRY-GO-ROUND IN THE SEA", the problems of adolescence and early adulthood are a primary focus. Many factors contribute to the complexity of these problems, the main issues being h effect war has on a growing boy and the loss of Rick's carefree attiude and innocence through the trauma he endured as a POW. Not only does Stowe concentrate on phychological changes within the main characters, but also the physical changes time influcts upon them. Stowe effectively includes these issues as part of the novel's cycle, which is represented by the symbol, the merry-go-round. As a small child, the war had a shattering effect on Rob, though in his naivety it was no