Jasper Jones By Craig Silvey

Words: 830
Pages: 4

Literature has historically been utilised as a form of expression and entertainment within many aspects of society. Through the portrayal of themes, authors can transport their audience into the lives of others to captivate alternate perspectives in order to establish a sense of belonging and empathy for the experiences of others. Such is the case for Craig Silvey’s 2009 award-winning novel ‘Jasper Jones’. This essay seeks to explore the theme of racism against Vietnamese immigrants during the Vietnam War and delve into the theme of bildungsroman to encapsulate the characterisation and journey the protagonist experiences throughout the novel. It is through these themes that SiIvey is able to influence the audience and allow them to create personal judgments about the world.

Craig Silvey skillfully employs the theme of racism to provide the
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This influences an audience's perception of the world by empowering them to feel sympathetic towards these characters by understanding their experiences and reflecting on their lives in a multicultural society. Symbolism is expertly utilised when Jeffrey is observed ‘standing apart from the group’ as ‘the team forms a circle that excludes him,’ which causes the reader to evoke feelings of compassion as he is receiving unjust treatment solely due to his racial identity. Additionally, the use of alliteration and euphemism when proclaiming An Lu as a ‘red rat,’ causes the reader to feel sympathetic towards him, as the men blatantly accuse him of being a communist. This is significant as Australia was fighting against communism in the Vietnam War, which conveys the lack of racial awareness within the town and the prominence of racial discrimination. Furthermore, emotive language is applied when Charlie elucidates to Jeffrey