From the "The Parable of the Prodigal Son," briefly characterize the prodigal son."The Parable of the Prodigal Son"

The Prodigal son is portrayed in this parable as wayward,
rebellious, probably in his late teenage years, and although callow, very sure of
himself and his ability to make his own way in the world. He soon learns, however, that
the world is a much more demanding and difficult place than he ever imagined, and
eventually finds himself a hired servant with all the abuse and indignity that position
entails. It is then that he "came to his senses" and realized that perhaps his father
was right all along, and returns, humiliated and sadder but definitely
wiser.

Although the parable is meant to portray wayward
persons who reject the Gospel of Jesus, it could apply equally well to many who have at
an early age attempted to take on the world on their own and found that the problems of
the world, or of living, are not that easily solved. It could easily apply to those who
suffer with addiction disease who often must reach bottom before they can recover. In
many regards such as this, the lesson of the parable is
timeless.