Jasper Jones Essay: A Mirror to Our Fears and Hopes
By Paul Thompson, Year 11 (New Zealand)
It’s not often that a book manages to completely envelop you, transporting you to another time and place while simultaneously reflecting your own experiences. Craig Silvey’s “Jasper Jones” did just that for me. As I turned the final page, I found myself staring out my bedroom window, watching the pohutukawa trees sway in the Wellington wind, lost in thought about the complexities of growing up, the weight of secrets, and the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right.
Set in the fictional town of Corrigan, Western Australia, during the summer of 1965, “Jasper Jones” is a coming-of-age story that follows Charlie Bucktin, a 13-year-old bookish boy whose life is turned upside down when the town outcast, Jasper Jones, shows up at his window one fateful night. What unfolds is a gripping mystery that forces Charlie to confront the harsh realities of racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence.
As I read about Charlie’s struggles, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my own life here in New Zealand. While the setting and time period are different, the themes of friendship, first love, and grappling with moral dilemmas resonated deeply with me. Like Charlie, I often find solace in books, using them as a lens to understand the world around me. His relationship with books, particularly his admiration for Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” struck a chord. I remember staying up late, torch in hand, devouring that very same novel, feeling a kindred spirit in both Charlie and Scout Finch.
Silvey’s portrayal of small-town life, with its secrets and prejudices, made me reflect on my own community. While Wellington is far from a small town, I’ve witnessed the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) racism that exists even in our supposedly progressive society. The treatment of Jasper Jones and Jeffrey Lu in the novel brought to mind incidents I’ve seen on the rugby field, where some of my teammates of Māori or Pacific Island descent have faced discrimination. It’s a stark reminder that the issues Silvey explores are not confined to 1960s Australia but continue to plague societies worldwide.
The friendship between Charlie and Jeffrey Lu was another aspect that struck close to home. Their witty banter and unwavering loyalty reminded me of my own best mate, Tane. Like Jeffrey, Tane has an irrepressible spirit and a sharp sense of humor that never fails to lift my mood, even when we’re discussing serious topics. Our conversations, much like Charlie and Jeffrey’s, often veer from lighthearted jokes to profound discussions about life, literature, and the state of the world.
One of the most powerful elements of the novel is its exploration of moral courage. Charlie’s internal struggle as he grapples with the knowledge of Laura Wishart’s death and the subsequent cover-up forced me to question what I would do in a similar situation. It’s easy to say you’d do the right thing, but when faced with the potential consequences, the choice becomes much harder. This reminded me of a time when I witnessed a senior player on our rugby team bullying a younger student. The fear of speaking up, of disrupting the team dynamic, was palpable. But inspired by characters like Charlie and Atticus Finch, I found the courage to report the incident to our coach.
Silvey’s vivid prose and masterful storytelling had me completely immersed in Corrigan’s sweltering summer. I could almost feel the oppressive heat, so different from Wellington’s often temperamental weather. The descriptions of the Australian landscape were so evocative that they made me appreciate the beauty of my own surroundings – the rugged coastlines and lush green hills that I often take for granted.
The novel’s treatment of first love, particularly Charlie’s infatuation with Eliza Wishart, was both heartwarming and painfully accurate. His awkward attempts at flirting and the intensity of his feelings brought a smile to my face, reminding me of my own clumsy attempts at romance. There’s a universality to these experiences that Silvey captures perfectly, making Charlie’s journey all the more relatable.
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of “Jasper Jones” is its unflinching look at the loss of innocence. As Charlie uncovers the dark secrets of Corrigan, his worldview shifts dramatically. This resonated deeply with me, as I’ve found myself increasingly aware of the complexities and injustices in the world as I’ve grown older. The novel serves as a poignant reminder that growing up often means confronting harsh truths and making difficult choices.
In conclusion, “Jasper Jones” is more than just a compelling mystery or a coming-of-age tale. It’s a profound exploration of humanity, with all its flaws and virtues. Craig Silvey has crafted a story that, while rooted in a specific time and place, speaks to universal experiences and emotions. As I placed the book back on my shelf, nestled between my well-worn copies of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Catcher in the Rye,” I knew it had earned its place among the classics that have shaped my perspective on life.
This novel challenged me, moved me, and ultimately left me with a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling. It’s a reminder of why I love literature – its ability to transport us, to make us think, and to help us understand both ourselves and others better. As I navigate the complexities of my own adolescence here in New Zealand, I’ll carry the lessons of “Jasper Jones” with me, striving to face life’s challenges with the same courage and integrity that Charlie Bucktin ultimately displays.
Work Cited
Silvey, C. (2009). Jasper Jones. Allen & Unwin.
American Psychological Association. (2008). Answers to your questions: For a better understanding of sexual orientation and homosexuality. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/orientation