Jasper Jones

The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel just as Jasper Jones is. Read both books and compare and contrast the protagonist in each novel. What events help them to come of age, and what realizations do they come to because of these events?

Charlie and Jeffrey speak about different types of heroes. Research the concepts of the hero and the antihero in literature. Consider which characters in the novel fit the role of hero and which fit the role of antihero.

The novel presents the idea that in order to truly be courageous, a person needs to have something to lose. Do you agree or disagree with this? Use examples from the novel and from your own life or history to support your ideas.

Compare and contrast Jeffrey and Jasper. How does Charlie feel about both of these boys? What do they offer to Charlie? In your estimation, which is the most heroic, and why?

Baptism scenes occur frequently in literature to symbolize great change. Often, the baptism is implied rather than literal. Analyze the novel for examples of when a character has an encounter with water and then is transformed afterward. How could these scenes be symbolic of a baptism or transformation?

At one point, Charlie laments the fact that the people least responsible for Laura’s suicide often feel the most responsible for her death. Consider who played a role in what happened to her. What level of culpability do different characters have? Who is most at fault? Who is least at fault?

Consider the ending of the novel. Why does Eliza set fire to her house? Consider how her character changes throughout the novel. What does this fire symbolize about the trajectory of her character?

There are numerous incidents of discrimination in the novel. The most obvious incidents are the two that happen to Jeffrey’s parents. What is the novel’s overall message about discrimination and oppression? Given that Charlie and Jeffrey often tease each other in irreverent ways, consider how racial slurs might affect the very characters who choose to use them.