Jasper Jones Novel Analysis

Significant moments, including rites of passage, construct a transitional period where knowledge and clarification often create a sense of progression and maturity within one’s life. Published in the year 2009, Jasper Jones is a coming of age novel written by Australian author Craig Silvey. Directed at young adult readers, the narrative’s plot revolves around a mysterious death in the summer of 1965, in the isolated town of Corrigan. Evident throughout Jasper Jones, the development of Eliza Wishart allows a modern audience to engage in a novel that reflects upon experiences, choices and motivations present along a character’s journey. Eliza provides a dynamic, yet clear representation of a figure that completes a fundamental process by exploring her rites of passage, accompanied by surrounding aspects such as exposure, loss of innocence, friendship and guilt, all in which ultimately contribute to her transition to adolescence. Exposed to problematic circumstances that dramatically effect a youthful
Nevertheless, Eliza conceals a grim secret, and as a consequence, she is overcome by guilt that prepares her for the harsh reality of adolescent life.

Subjection to detrimental experiences and the revelation of a secret or distressing point of time often concludes in the movement towards a different perspective on life. If exposed to a daunting incident, youths may be forced to make choices beyond their years, a state of mind in which Silvey demonstrates through the characterisation of Eliza. Jasper Jones depicts a story that emphasises Eliza’s loss of innocence as a result of exposure to her sister’s suicidal death that was ultimately caused by an abusive relationship with her father. As a result of reading the novel, teens will acquire