Jasper Jones is a novel by Australian author Craig Silvey that tells the story of Charlie Bucktin, a young boy living in the small town of Corrigan in the late 1960s. The novel follows Charlie as he becomes embroiled in a mystery surrounding the disappearance of a local girl, Laura Wishart, and the subsequent investigation that ensues. Along the way, Charlie is aided by Jasper Jones, a mixed-race outcast in the town who becomes his unlikely ally.
Throughout the novel, Silvey uses a range of quotes to explore themes of racism, injustice, and the search for truth. Here are a few notable quotes from Jasper Jones:
"People see what they want to see, and they hear what they want to hear."
This quote, spoken by Jasper Jones, highlights the idea that people often have preconceived notions and biases that can shape the way they perceive the world around them. In the case of Jasper, his mixed-race heritage and reputation as an outsider in the community lead many of the townspeople to view him with suspicion and mistrust.
"It's not about winning or losing, it's about standing up for what you believe in."
This quote, spoken by Charlie's father, speaks to the idea that it is important to fight for what you believe in, even if it means taking a stand against the majority. Throughout the novel, Charlie faces challenges as he tries to uncover the truth about Laura's disappearance and the involvement of Jasper, who many in the town believe to be guilty. Despite the potential risks and consequences, Charlie persists in his quest for justice, ultimately learning the value of standing up for what he believes in.
"I don't know what's right anymore. I don't know what's wrong. I don't know what to believe in."
This quote, spoken by Charlie, speaks to the idea that it can be difficult to determine the truth in complex situations, especially when there are conflicting accounts and agendas at play. As he navigates the various challenges and conflicting narratives that emerge during the investigation into Laura's disappearance, Charlie struggles to make sense of what is happening and what he should believe.
Overall, the quotes from Jasper Jones serve to highlight the themes of racism, injustice, and the search for truth that are central to the novel. Through the experiences of its characters, the novel asks readers to consider the ways in which preconceived notions and biases can shape our perceptions of the world and to think about the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even in the face of uncertainty and risk.
