Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
After having a thorough read of the novel ‘Jasper Jones’ by Craig Silvey, I have come to understand the powerful effects of using written codes and conventions in novels. Silvey’s impressive piece of literature was carefully constructed through techniques such as characterization, socio-cultural context, themes and intertexuality. By doing this, Silvey was accredited for convincing the readers, appealing to their emotions and manipulating their beliefs and values to accept or agree with his opinions on the issue covered in the novel.
Characters play a major role in ensuring that the novels can be read and comprehended. However, the success of a novel is dependent on the quality of characterization and whether they will attract the attention of the readers. Silvey’s approach to character construction is slightly different as the main protagonists possess or represent his personal qualities. According to Silvey, back in the school days he was a geeky kid obsessed with books just like Charlie Bucktin in the novel. At times Silvey was mischievous, smart, funny and cocky just like Jeffery Lu, who is Charlie’s only best friend and is a Vietnamese immigrant. Nevertheless, Silvey personally prefers to have more of Jasper Jones’ character of being serious, courageous, loyal and way mature for his age. Charlie describes Jasper as being free of bitterness despite all the troubles the community puts him through.
One of the most vital aspects that needs to be established is the socio-cultural context of the novel. Silvey chose the time frame of the 1960s, where Australia was a nation of racism and injustice because this is still relevant to parts of today’s society. Referring to the novel, Jasper is known by everyone as a half-caste since he is an Aboriginal. He also notifies Charlie that he is only considered as “…half-animal and half a vote” in Corrigan, a small country town in Western Australia. This shows the people’s ignorance and pride as being the real owners or
Characters play a major role in ensuring that the novels can be read and comprehended. However, the success of a novel is dependent on the quality of characterization and whether they will attract the attention of the readers. Silvey’s approach to character construction is slightly different as the main protagonists possess or represent his personal qualities. According to Silvey, back in the school days he was a geeky kid obsessed with books just like Charlie Bucktin in the novel. At times Silvey was mischievous, smart, funny and cocky just like Jeffery Lu, who is Charlie’s only best friend and is a Vietnamese immigrant. Nevertheless, Silvey personally prefers to have more of Jasper Jones’ character of being serious, courageous, loyal and way mature for his age. Charlie describes Jasper as being free of bitterness despite all the troubles the community puts him through.
One of the most vital aspects that needs to be established is the socio-cultural context of the novel. Silvey chose the time frame of the 1960s, where Australia was a nation of racism and injustice because this is still relevant to parts of today’s society. Referring to the novel, Jasper is known by everyone as a half-caste since he is an Aboriginal. He also notifies Charlie that he is only considered as “…half-animal and half a vote” in Corrigan, a small country town in Western Australia. This shows the people’s ignorance and pride as being the real owners or