jasper jones

• intro gen statement?

  Mulvany delves into issues of racial inequality in 1960s rural Australia through Jasper Jones. Originally was published in 2005 by Craig Silvey as a novel, adapted for the stage in 2016.
• intro plot outline?

  small WA town of corrigan is rocked by disappearance of Laura Wishart. Jasper Jones, vilified Aboriginal teen boy, employs help of Charlie Bucktin to find out what happened to her before townspeople blame Jasper.
• intro signpost?

  The setting and range of characters allows responders to develop a reasoned interpretation through a Critical Race Theory lens. This is achieved through the marginalised perspectives of Jeffrey and Jasper, contrasting with the white Australian perspective belonging to Charlie.
• contention/thesis statement?

  Aspects of how Mulvany characterised the three teenage boys ultimately contradicts the issues of racial inequality she intended to expose. 
• jeffrey topic?


  jeffrey regularly faces racial discrimination in the play, as the setting during Viet War intensifies the racial bigotry him and his parents are subjected to.
• jeffrey setting?

  The looming threat of conscription into the war meant residents of Corrigan were taking their fear out on the Lus.
• jeffrey characterisation?

  Jeffrey responds with resilience and strong identification. although ethnically Viet, Jeffrey proclaims to be an Australian at heart. Despite it’s brutish nature, Jeffrey adopts Aussie sporting culture and his affinity for cricket symbolises his desire to fit in.
• jeffrey quote?

  ”did you see the spin on that bewdie?”

  Mulvany's unique spelling of 'beauty' emphasises Jeffrey's heavy Australian accent, underscoring his successful assimilation into Australian culture.
• jeffrey quote alternative?

  It also reinforces his status of being 'other' despite his efforts to assimilate. As Mulvany doesn't emphasis the accents of any other Australian characters, it implies his Australian identity needs special attention or justification.
• Jeffrey's characterisation cont.?

  • Compared to Charlie, who matures throughout the play, characterisation as the naive and childish comic relief remains static
  • This prevents other characters and the reader from considering him seriously
  • Risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Vietnamese intelligence
• jeffrey link?

  Jeffrey's experiences highlight the complexities of possessing a multicultural identity in a homogenous society. However, the lack of depth and growth in his character also exposes the discrepancies in Mulvany's criticism of racial inequality.
• jasper topic?

  Kate Mulvany criticises the treatment of and stigma surrounding Indigenous populations through the character of 16-year-old Jasper Jones.
• jasper setting?

  Jasper's experiences in the play imitate the broader issues of systemic racism and societal exclusion of First Nations people in 1960s Australia.

  1960s were a decade of major social change. By 1965, Indigenous Australians were granted voting rights, yet discriminatory policies in place dictating most aspects of their lives (VAHS).
• jasper characterisation?

  the small-town setting of Corrigan amplifies the racial prejudices Jasper encounters. Jasper is characterised as a loner and a scapegoat, embodying these traits until the play's very end.
• jasper quote?

  stage directions indicate, "Jasper watches from afar, grinning." after Charlie takes down Mad Jack toward the conclusion of the play.

  The line carries weight when considered from a post-colonial perspective.
• jasper quote connection to real world?

  Jasper's position 'from afar' symbolises the physical and figurative distance imposed on Aboriginal people by white colonisers, in an effort to keep them away from their society.

  Act of watching Charlie take down Mad Jack instead of participating reflects Indigenous marginalisation in the world and how they are commonly excluded from societal affairs.
• jasper link?

  Mulvany attempts to critique racism and systemic injustice Indigenous Australians face through Jasper's struggles. However, by not providing a more nuanced, positive outcome for Jasper, the play reinforces the same stereotypes it seeks to condemn. Jasper leaving Corrigan is not the empowering resolution that would have ensured Mulvany's success, as it fortifies the narrative of Indigenous people never having a place in a white-dominated society. This duality aligns with the contention that JJ simultaneously critiques racism while perpetuating racist attitudes.
• charlie topic?

  Charlie Bucktin's journey in the play reflects a coming-of-age narrative intersecting with themes of race and justice. His white Australian identity represents the dominant social views and norms of the 1960s. Mulvany uses Charlie's character to provide a contrasting perspective to the audience, as his perception of the play's events differs vastly from that of marginalised characters such as Jeffrey and Jasper.
• charlie intended characterisation?

  Charlie is initially oblivious to racial tensions, but his time spent with Jasper and Jeffrey broadened his world view. Charlie's journey reflects potential for change in Eurocentric communities and their attitudes surrounding the marginalised. His character serves as a bridge for readers to empathise with the harsh realities of minority groups.
• charlie white saviour?

  Charlie's journey is driven by his white saviour complex, negating Mulvany's intended criticism of racial inequality. This is the concept of a white person offering salvation to an underprivileged POC (TV Tropes).
• charlie quote #1?

  The premise of heroism is a common topic in Charlie and Jeffrey's friendship, as the qualities of superheroes were previously debated in the play. theme is brought to a head when Jeffrey tells Charlie after Mad Jack,

  "You're better than Batman... you're a whole new class of superhero!" (Mulvany).
• charlie quote #2?

  Charlie doesn't dispute this hero status or reveals the fight is staged, replying to Jeffrey with "Couldn't have done it without you, Jeffrey," (Mulvany)

  While seemingly humble and appreciative of Jeffrey's assistance, it still centres on Charlie's contrived accomplishment. Charlie's remark relegates Jeffrey to role of sidekick and highlights their power dynamic, reinforcing that Jeffrey's role is secondary to Charlie's.
• charlie link?

  closing scenes of the play presents Charlie as a white saviour whose conclusion overshadows that of Jeffrey, as well as Jasper and his departure. Placing Charlie on a pedastal undermines Mulvany's intent to convey issues of racial inequality.
• conclusion Mulvany intent?

  Mulvany attempts to condemn Australian society's values and attitudes surrounding immigrants and First Nations people, promoting amicability between all.
• conclusion Mulvany evaluation?

  Author has not succeeded as she may have due to harmful racial representations and elements of the white saviour trope that undermine her intent.

  Lack of depth and growth in Jeffrey and Jasper's lacklustre resolution supports the stereotypes rather than dismantles them.

  Similarly, Charlie's role as a white saviour overshadows the experiences and contributions of the marginalised characters, sustaining racial hierarchies.
• conclusion closing?

  while composer presents a well-intentioned and progressive commentary on racial inequality, viewing JJ through a Critical Race Theory lens reveals it falls shortly of fully addressing and challenging racial issues.
• how to format title?

  Jasper Jones underlined

  JJ abbreviation underlined too