Orbiting Jupiter Character Analysis

The book “Orbiting Jupiter” by Gary D. Schmidt really digs deep into themes like redemption, family, and resilience by showing off some well-rounded characters. The story’s about a young boy named Joseph Brook, who’s had a tough go at life and ends up with the Hurd family as their foster kid. Joseph and the Hurds’ interactions bring out the emotional and thematic heart of the book. When you look at Joseph and the Hurds closely, you get a good sense of what the story says about human connections and trying to make things right.

Joseph Brook: Trying to Make Things Right

Joseph Brook is a complicated kid whose rough past shapes how he acts now and how he gets along with others. At just twelve, he’s already been through a lot—juvie and even being a dad. When we first meet him, Joseph is pretty closed-off and angry, which makes sense given his rough upbringing. Studies show that going through tough times when you’re young can mess with your behavior and emotions (Smith, 2018). Joseph’s anger and trust issues are signs of that kind of trauma.

But underneath, Joseph’s got a big heart and a strong wish to fix his mistakes. He’s determined to find his daughter, Jupiter, which shows he’s got a good side and wants to make things right. This ties into the idea of resilience, which is about bouncing back from hard times (Luthar & Cicchetti, 2000). You can see Joseph’s resilience in how he tries to rebuild his life and connect with Jupiter, even though he faces lots of hurdles.

The Hurd Family: Helping Joseph Change

The Hurd family—Jack, his parents, and their farm animals—are super important in Joseph’s journey to redemption. Jack, in particular, helps Joseph reconnect with the world. Jack’s friendship and support make it easier for Joseph to fit into his new life. Research shows that having good friends can really help teens develop socially and emotionally (Wentzel & Caldwell, 1997). Jack’s acceptance and understanding give Joseph a sense of belonging and stability, which he needs to heal emotionally.

Mr. and Mrs. Hurd are all about unconditional love and support. They decide to foster Joseph despite his troubled past because they believe people can change. This fits with the idea of authoritative parenting—being warm, responsive, but also having high expectations (Baumrind, 1991). The Hurds create a safe and trusting environment, helping Joseph face his past and think about a better future. Their influence shows how powerful compassion and understanding can be.

Symbolism and Themes

The characters in “Orbiting Jupiter” connect deeply with the book’s main themes of redemption, family, and resilience. Joseph’s journey shows the struggle to make things right and that new beginnings are possible. His bond with Jupiter represents hope and the strong parent-child connection. The Hurds, with their unconditional love, highlight how important family and community are for personal growth and healing.

The book also points out the bigger issues that make life hard for kids like Joseph. It talks about the juvenile detention system and how there’s not enough support for troubled youth, showing we need better social and psychological help. According to the National Institute of Justice, good rehab programs can cut down on repeat offenses and help young people get back on track (Lipsey, 2009). “Orbiting Jupiter” reminds us that society has a responsibility to help and support vulnerable people.

Wrapping It Up

“Orbiting Jupiter” by Gary D. Schmidt is a powerful story about human relationships and trying to find redemption. Through Joseph Brook, it looks at how trauma affects people and the resilience needed to get through it. The Hurd family’s role in Joseph’s change shows how vital unconditional love and support are for personal growth. The themes of the book get even deeper when it looks at systemic issues and the need for better support for troubled youth. In the end, “Orbiting Jupiter” is a reminder of the enduring power of hope, love, and resilience in tough times.

References

• Baumrind, D. (1991). “The Influence of Parenting Style on Adolescent Competence and Substance Use.” Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.
• Lipsey, M. W. (2009). “The Primary Factors that Characterize Effective Interventions with Juvenile Offenders: A Meta-Analytic Overview.” Victims and Offenders, 4(2), 124-147.
• Luthar, S. S., & Cicchetti, D. (2000). “The Construct of Resilience: Implications for Interventions and Social Policies.” Development and Psychopathology, 12(4), 857-885.
• Smith, C. A. (2018). “The Impact of Early Trauma on Adolescent Development.” Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 9, 111-120.
• Wentzel, K. R., & Caldwell, K. A. (1997). “Friendships, Peer Acceptance, and Group Membership: Relations to Academic Achievement in Middle School.” Child Development, 68(6), 1198-1209.

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