One thing's for certain: The characters in Jellicoe Road have plenty to be angry about. Under normal circumstances, Hannah should have shunned Jude for causing Webb's death, Jonah should feel zero remorse for his dad's death, and Taylor should never want to see her mother again, let alone spend her final weeks with her. But instead something makes them dig deep and find the strength and courage to forgive each other, leave their losses and mistakes behind, and forge new relationships.
While it might be impossible for us to imagine the level of forgiveness these characters express toward each other, there's no denying that in doing so, they each seem to head toward a positive future in spite of their difficult pasts.
Questions About Forgiveness
- If you were Hannah, how do you think you would have responded to Fitz's confession? Would it have been easy or hard to forgive?
- Why does Taylor defend her mother in spite of everything she's done? Turn to the text to support your answer.
- Many characters struggle with granting forgiveness to others, but some are unable to forgive themselves. Which characters do this and why?
- What about the story of the original five motivates the present day characters to forgive? Be specific, please.
Chew on This
Fitz's unconditional friendship following the accident is what enables Narnie to forgive him after Webb's death.
Hannah and Jude aren't together because of the guilt they both feel for surviving the original five's ordeal.