Table of ContentsIntroduction:Body Part:Conclusion:Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayIntroduction:In the novel Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward, the reader is taken on a powerful journey through the eyes of a teenager named Esch Batiste. Set in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region, the novel explores themes of poverty, racism, family, and natural disaster as Esch and his family face the looming threat of Hurricane Katrina . As Esch says, “the storm is coming and we are not ready” (Ward, 3). The novel follows Esch as she attempts to keep her family together, protect her brothers, and come to terms with her own identity and place in the world. Through Esch's character, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of these themes and the impact they have on individuals and communities. In this essay, I will analyze Esch's character as he develops throughout the novel, using quotes from the text as evidence. Body Part: Esch is first introduced as a strong-willed and determined teenager . She is fiercely protective of her brothers and takes on the role of a motherly figure for them, despite her own youth. For example, she states, “I will fight to the death to keep them safe” (Ward, 7). This determination and sense of responsibility are recurring themes in Esch's character throughout the novel. As the novel progresses, we see Esch struggle with his own identity and place in the world. She struggles with her mixed-race heritage, feeling like she doesn't fully belong in either the white or black community. She says: “I am neither white nor black, just me, Esch Batiste. And I'm tired of trying to make something for someone else” (Ward, 93). This inner turmoil is reflected in his relationship with Skeetah, his brother, who also struggles with his identity. Esch also faces challenges related to her gender. She is aware of the limitations placed on her as a young woman and feels the pressure to conform to society's expectations. She says, “I want to be a woman, not just a girl” (Ward, 57). Despite these obstacles, Esch ultimately finds the strength to stand up for himself and his beliefs. She states, “I know what I want and I’m going to take it” (Ward, 112). Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion: In Salvage the Bones, Jesmyn Ward masterfully portrays the complexities of Esch Batiste's character. Through his struggles and triumphs, we see the human experience laid bare. Esch's determination, inner turmoil, and sense of self all contribute to the novel's powerful exploration of identity, family, and community. The novel shows that even in the face of adversity, you can find the strength to fight for yourself and your beliefs...