Knowledge of the truth shapes our perceptions of life.

How is this idea

explored in Jasper Jones?
INTRODUCTION
Craig Silveys bildungsroman, Jasper Jones, explores the significance of the truth
and its impact on how characters make sense of the world using the backdrop of
1960s Corrigan, Australia. In particular, Silvey focuses on how such revelations
impact youth, as they uncover the truth behind dark and disturbing secrets, lies and
myths about the town in an attempt to solve the mystery of Laura Wisharts death.
The novels protagonist, Charlie Bucktins inquisitive nature and desire to help his
friend Jasper set into motion a series of discoveries that culminate in his loss of
innocence whereas the discovery of the truth regarding Laura and his past serve to
liberate Jasper Jones. To the same extent characters pursue the truth, Silvey
explores the other aspect, those who are ignorant or refuse to seek out the truth yet
whose perceptions of life are shaped all the same.
NOTES:
- Begin with a general sentence introducing the topic
- We are asked to explore the idea. So rather than have a contention that
agrees or disagrees with the topic, we must consider all the characters and
how this statement applies to them.
- I have chosen to focus my arguments based on characters, and the different
ways their perceptions are change by their interactions with the truth
- Arguments 1 and 2 are going to exclusively be about Charlie and Jasper
- Argument 3 is going to focus on Corrigan as a town and Jaspers dad.
Corrigan psychology is explained by Jasper (they fear what they dont know),
this fearful perception is shaped by the fact that they dont know the truth.
These people can benefit society, Jasper and Jeffrey are talented sportsmen
yet are cast aside. Likewise, Jaspers dad doesnt forgive his father because
he is unwilling to hear the truth from him and thus he lives the way he does.
SAMPLE BODY PARAGRAPH
Topic Sentence: As he seeks to absolve Jasper of Lauras death, Charlies desire to
find the truth and seek justice lead him to uncover secrets that drastically change
his views on the town and its inhabitants.
Explain: Charlie begins the novel as a characteristically nave teenager, evident in
his suggestion to Jasper that they should inform the police as to Lauras death.
However, it is his relationship with Jasper Jones and his desire to help him that
cause him confront the darkness in human nature, the result of which causes him to
mature and develop his perceptions of the world.
First Example: In a bid to find the motives behind Lauras death, Charlies
research about Corrigans serial killers and criminals cause him to question what
horrors humans are truly capable of.
First Explanation: Charlie relates the plight of Sylvia Likens to Laura
Wishart ,Why didnt anybody help her? The neighbourhood knew, and the reality
that despite his innocence, Jasper would have been cuffed and caged like Eric
Cooke. Discovering the truth behind Corrigans past changes Charlies view of the
townspeople in the present. He is dismayed at the fact that nothing has changed,
that their willingness to ignore and even engage themselves in such clear
infractions of justice still remains.
Second Example: In exposing the truth behind the myths of both Jasper Jones and
Mad Jack Lionel, Charlie once again is dismayed by Corrigans deceitful nature.
Second Explanation: Through getting to know them, Charlie is able to overcome
the stigmatizations the town has levelled against both of them and form his own
opinions. Where he once feared Mad Jack like the rest of the town, upon meeting
him, Charlie realizes he is just old and sad and poor and lonely. Likewise, contrary
to the towns misrepresentation of Jasper as a truant, Charlie discovers in him a
true friend and greatly sympathises with Jaspers infinitely sad plight. In breaking
through the myths and lies and understanding the people behind them, Charlie
demonstrates an adult-like ability to empathize.
Link back to Contention: Charlie Bucktins encounters with the truth enable him
to grasp a better understanding of Corrigan and their mistreatment of outsiders,
damning truths which ultimately correspond in his loss of innocence.
CONCLUSION
Silveys novel focuses on the coming-of-age story of Charlie Bucktin, a child whose
exposure to many dark truths facilitate a development of adult perceptions and
values. The more world weary Jasper Jones is affected in a different way, as the
truth as to the nature of Lauras death and his grandfather serve to liberate him and
provide him with renewed sense of purpose. Finally, Silvey also considers those who
ignore or refuse to find the truth and how this results in a fearful, counterproductive
perception of the world.