How Does Kenneth Slessor Use Literary Techniques In Jasper Jones

In the art of literature, composers showcase their unique ability to dig through the depths of individual and collective human experiences, offering keen insight which resonates with the reader. Through the use of literary techniques, and the manipulation of language, composers can trigger different emotional responses whilst creating an understanding of the various aspects of the human condition. By examining the works of renowned composers Kenneth Slessor and Craig Silvey, specifically ‘Gulliver’, ‘William Street’ and ‘Jasper Jones’, we can explore how these composers employ their craft to capture and convey insightful ideas about individual and collective human experiences. With a solid foundation laid for exploring composers' insights into

Slessor’s ability to employ literary techniques in this poem help convey the vibrancy, chaos and anonymity that construe urban existence. A unique aspect of this poem is Slessor personifying elements of the city, for example, “red globe of light”, “liquor green”, “pulsing arrows” and “running fire”. The personification breathes life into the inanimate objects which makes the city appear as a living entity. Slessor’s use of imagery also assists in enhancing the collective human experiences, for example, in the quotes “smells rich and rasping, smoke fat and fish” and the “puffs of paraffin”, Slessor is giving the reader a vivid sensory experience, immersing the reader in the sights and smells of the city streets. Finally, Slessor’s use of juxtapositions is also used to convey the complexities of the collective human experience within the urban landscape which is William Street. An example of this is the “ghosts’ trousers” in pawn-shop windows along with the absence of suffering or condemnation inside. This contrast shows the transient nature of city life in that period along with the individual struggles that come from a larger collective. Through these poetic techniques, Slessor unearths the collective human experiences. Personification, imagery, and juxtaposition are used by Slessor to capture the interconnectedness of

Resonation with Kenneth Slessor’s poems ‘Gulliver’ and ‘William Street’, Silvey captures many different aspects of human experiences and their impact on societal and personal struggles. In ‘Jasper Jones’, Sivey portrays a protagonist, Charlie Bucktin, as he tangles with his journey of self-discovery. Charlie’s encounter with the outcast figure which is Jasper Jones exposes him to the underbelly of his community. A moment of introspection leads Charlie to say “I’m standing on the fringes of an adventure I desperately want to have.” Charlie’s longing to break free from societal expectations is a similar sentiment expressed in Slessor’s ‘Gulliver’. Both characters yearn to escape the confines upon them and seek genuine self-expression. Just as Slessor uses vivid imagery to enhance the readers' understanding of collective human experiences, Silvey uses similar techniques to create a sense of empathy. For example, Silvey describes Charlie and Jasper’s town as a “patchwork quilt” of secrets and deceptions, showing the interconnectedness of its community and their shared experiences. Another example is the character Eliza Wishart from ‘Jasper Jones’. In the novel, Eliza is friends with a girl named Laura who Jasper finds hung in a forest. Eliza’s tragic circumstances reflect the collective experiences and prejudices that shape the town. This mirrors the themes of