Craig Silvey's Australian novel Jasper Jones highlights the importance of truth and justice in shaping human experiences, shaping self-understanding and the world. This highlights that events are not always positive; justice is not delivered fairly and the truth can be a burden. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Silvey suggests that people's response to a revealed truth can reinforce or diminish their supremacy, thereby creating a clearer understanding of their true human nature. When Charlie discovers Ruth's affair, his reaction is aggressive. According to him, "she keeps shouting spitting questions, just filling that space with her stupid indignation", the images illuminating Ruth's hostility. This highlights that his initial reaction to the confrontation is defensive, revealing his hypocritical nature. However, Charlie responds confidently, stating "but I feel calm". The disjunction of “but” signals a change in Charlie’s behavior and contrasts with Ruth’s reaction. Charlie's defiance is Ruth's punishment for her secrecy, conveyed in "No!" You dug this hole, you fill it. The italics blame Ruth and prevent her from avoiding the truth. The imperative indicates a progression in Charlie's bildungsroman journey, he acquires the maturity necessary to defend himself. This also means a role reversal: Charlie is now powerful and Ruth is defenseless, reinforced when Charlie thinks "she looks like a child." Scared, lost and unhappy... she starts to cry. The child's simile suggests that Charlie is now an adult and that once the truth is revealed, Ruth can no longer hide behind her "maternal" appearance. Silvey illustrates that an essential element of the human condition is our response to revealed truth. Silvey points out that learning the truth can cause regret – it can formulate a negative view of the world and become a burden. Charlie struggles with his knowledge of Laura Wishart's death, evident from the moment he learns of Laura's fate, stating, "I feel like I'm underwater." Deaf and drowned. The metaphor of drowning reveals Charlie's helplessness, shock, and distress at this discovery. He constantly feels anxious because of this, expressed in the recurring insect motif: "There are insects crawling on my shoulders", the insects being representative of his ever-present anxiety and danger. Once Charlie learns what really happened the night of Laura's murder, he still feels distressed, believing that if he hadn't followed Jasper Jones, he "would have stayed safe in my room... Nobody doesn't know. Much lighter. I had never had this horrible brick in my stomach. Charlie's room is a symbol of comfort and security, his departure plunged him into the deep end, referencing the metaphor of drowning. The symbol of the brick also exposes how it is anchored by knowledge. Silvey uses a stream of consciousness to detail Laura's abuse, coupled with the repetition of the words "Here's what happened", which shows that Charlie cannot contain the secret and must reveal it quickly. Silvey demonstrates that knowing a complete truth does not bring closure or comfort to those who know it. The text emphasizes that human “justice” systems are inherently corrupt and will use their privilege to, paradoxically, employ unjust methods to achieve justice. This is expressed when the police question Eliza. Charlie says: “She stood firm when they offered her.