Jasper Jones, a novel written by Craig Silvey, is set in a small Western Australian town in the mid-1960s and is a great example of what a Bildungsroman is. Although the novel is set almost 60 years ago, it still provides insightful insights into how identity is shaped through adversity and still relates to the real-life struggles of Australia today . This novel features many characters who have grown in maturity after the trials encountered during the disappearance of Laura Wishart. Three notable 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 Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Jasper Jones, Corrigan's scapegoat, demonstrated massive growth in character through adversity. Jasper grew up with a drunk father, which forced him to grow up quickly. In the novel, Jasper has become a person who must steal out of necessity, because his drunken father does not provide him with the necessary support that Jasper needs, such as food, clothing, etc. This shapes his identity so that he is more independent and self-reliant. Unfortunately, in Australia this is still true. Children whose parents are alcoholics are 4 times more likely to be neglected. Jasper is also marginalized in Corrigan, blamed for all of the town's problems due to his indigenous heritage. “And even if their own child's guilt is obvious, parents immediately ask: Were you with Jasper Jones? With Jasper being blamed for the wrongdoings of others, he changed his identity to speak to and trust no one, forcing Jasper to comply with the law. Even today, people blame each other for the wrongdoings of others, either to get a quick answer or because the consequences do not want to be faced. Jasper Jones grew up with a drunken father and was the scapegoat for other people's wrongdoings. Caused Jasper to become independent and have very little trust in others. Show how identity is shaped through adversity. Jeffrey Lu, one of Corrigan's few Asians. Showed changes in his identity through trials. At the time the book was written, the Vietnam War was raging and Australian troops were being sent into combat. This leads many Australians to have a negative view of Asians, particularly Vietnamese. In the novel, Jeffrey Lu is often bullied because of this. And the people of the town call it cong. This persistent racism that Jeffery faces daily has taught him not to take every insult to heart. Even though Jeffery's maturation is not visible in the novel because Jeffery grew up in this environment, we see how he deals with difficult times. Jeffery overcomes the insults by trying to bounce positive energy off Charlie to cheer him up. “What the hell Chuck?” Am I the biggest? Even in Australia today, racism still exists due to conflict, particularly against people in Middle Eastern countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. Generally, being called a terrorist, an Arab, or even a Muslim, is an insult. Jeffery also has to deal with the difficulty of having Asian parents in a predominantly white town. Jeffery has seen his family disrespected time and time again. Like watching your mother get burned from hot tea. “.