Jasper Jones, a novel written by Craig Silvey, is set in a small town in Western Australia in the mid-1960s and is a great example of what is a Bildungsroman. Although the novel is set almost 60 years ago, it still provides relevant information about how identity is formed through adversity and still connects to real-world struggles in present-day Australia. This novel features many characters who have grown in maturity after the difficulties faced with the passing of Laura Wishart. Three important characters in this novel who endured many hardships during their youth include Charlie Bucktin, his friend Jeffrey Lu who faces discrimination, and Corrigan's scapegoat Jasper Jones. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Jasper Jones, Corrigan's scapegoat, demonstrated mass character growth through adversity. Jasper grew up with a drunken father who forces him to grow up quickly. In the novel, Jasper has become a person who has to rob out of necessity, because his drunken father does not provide the necessary support that Jasper needs such as food, clothing, and so on. This shapes her identity making her more independent and self-sustainable. Unfortunately in Australia this is still true. Children whose parents are alcoholics are 4 times more likely to be neglected. Jasper is also an outcast in Corrigan, being blamed for all of the town's problems due to his Aboriginal heritage. “And no matter how clear their child's guilt is, parents immediately ask: 'Were you with Jasper Jones?' Jasper, blamed for the wrongdoings of others, has changed his identity to never speak to or trust anyone, forcing him to legislate lowly. Even today, people blame each other for other people's mistakes, either to get a quick response or because they don't want to face the consequences. Jasper Jones grows up with a drunken father and becomes a scapegoat for the wrongdoings of others. It caused Jasper to become independent and have very little trust in others. Show how identity is shaped through adversity. Jeffrey Lu, one of the few Asians in Corrigan. He showed changes in his identity through hardship. At the time the book is set, the Vietnam War was raging fiercely and Australian troops were being sent to fight. This leads many Australians to have a negative view of Asians, particularly Vietnamese. In the novel, Jeffrey Lu is often bullied for this reason. And it's called cong by the people in the city. This enduring racism that Jeffery faces on a daily basis has taught Jeffery not to take all insults to heart. Although Jeffery's maturation is not seen in the novel because Jeffery grew up in this environment, we see how he copes with difficult times. Jeffery overcomes the insults by trying to bounce off Charlie's positive energy to lift his mood. “What is that Chuck? Am I the greatest?”. Even in Australia today, racism still exists due to conflicts, especially against people from Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Generally being called a terrorist, an Arab, and even being called a Muslim is an offensive slur. Jeffery also faces the challenges of having Asian parents in a predominantly white town. Jeffery has seen his family disrespected time and time again. Like watching his mother get burned by hot tea. “He slapped the cup…burning his skin.” Because Jeffery is surrounded by this constant abuse, he has learned how to react to it accordingly.