Jason Taylor. Is he Frodo or is he Alice?
Jason Taylor in "Black Swan Green" is a dynamic character who trapezes through his year with detailed descriptions, deep thoughts, and growing knowledge of who he is as a person. He is a character crafted by David Mitchell for us to learn about from the pages of his book. However much of an individual Jason may seem to be to us, I propose that Jason is a mashup of multiple characters Mitchell has encountered through his adventures as a reader. After all, every good novel is based off of the ideas of another. The chapter titled "Bridle Path" in "Black Swan Green" has strong connection with both "The Lord of the Rings" and "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." "Bridal Path" represents a Hero's Journey arch, similar to that of "The Lord of the Rings." Jason fills the roll of Frodo Baggins, adventuring in the unknown with a mysterious end goal in the wilderness, friends made along the way, and difficult obstacles. ...