J is for Justice
Justice.
It’s day 10 of
the A to Z Challenge!
Otherwise known as the letter J Day for my theme
Young Adult Novels and Novels with Young Adult Narrators.
Teens focus on the fairness of things and are quick to point out when justice has not been served. Today’s two novels explore what justice is from different angles.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Jane Eyre is not a young adult book, but it is a good book for young adults. Justice is not a part of Jane’s childhood. An orphan, Jane is emotionally abused by her aunt and later by the headmaster of the school where she is publicly marked as a bad girl. It is up to Jane to defeat the forces aligned against her–both malign and benign–and find justice.
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Former popular It girl Annabel has been unfairly treated and betrayed by both her best friend and her best friend’s boyfriend. But Annabel lacks the courage to speak up for herself and is soon the high school pariah. In order to find justice for herself and others, Annabel must summon the strength to speak and believe that people will just listen.
What’s your favorite novel that explores justice? Have you read either of these?
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6 thoughts on “J is for Justice”
I’ve read both of these, though I’d say Jane Eyre was my favourite. I felt like it was quite a modern sort of book, despite its age. 🙂
Cait @ Click’s Clan
Yea, I would say the same. Jane Eyre has a lot more depth to it, and her challenges are greater. I know what you mean about Jane Eyre feeling modern. She is someone who believes in the value of her own mind, which not all Victorians could embrace.
It’s been ages since I read Jane Eyre, so I don’t feel like I can comment on it too much. But justice is certainly a compelling theme in stories at all levels, from what’s fair on a personal level to what’s fair when governing a country!
Happy A to Z! 🙂
Tui
My A to Z posts are here: TuiSnider.com
Also, A to Z posts from the #StoryDam Writing Community are here: StoryDam.com
Thank you! Happy A to Z-ing to you, too.
I have read Jane Eyre, and it’s a perfect fit for the theme of Justice. I remember admiring her strength, and she seemed to be a very forward thinker for the time.
I agree. Despite pressure, Jane refused to marry except for love. She also insisted on her right to use her own mind and logic to arrive at decisions. Go, Jane!