James Scobie Character Analysis in Don't Call Me Ishmael Essay Example

Have you ever been the new kid at school? That is already hard enough. But a new kid that looks completely different to others? Well, that is what it is like for James Scobie. The author of this outstanding novel, Michael Gerard Bauer, has made James an inspirational character for teens because of how he stands up to his oppressors, how he does not fear anyone or anything, and how he is kind and generous to all his peers.

James has a significant impact on readers because he can stand up to his foes. As soon as James walked into his first homeroom at St Daniel’s, he comes along the same lines as the school villain, Barry Bagsley, “…who was staring at James Scobie like a kid who had just been given the Christmas present his parents pretended they could not afford.” (pg. 57). This resembles how Barry was so happy that he had a new target to pick on. In their first class together, Mr. Barker had to leave the room, and that was Barry’s cue to intimidate James by calling him a “… spazoid alien freak” (pg. 66) but instead of just letting the punches roll like Ishmael, the main character in this novel, James stands his ground by using his words. “As you point out, I’m new to your planet, but on the data available I’d say I was looking at some rudimentary life form” (pg. 66) This shows us that Barry got what he deserved, and he was put back in his place. I also strongly feel that it provides a connection to the real world because it proves that you can stand up to injustice in modern society.

 Scobie has an impact on readers because of how he does not fear anything. During James and Barry’s verbal brawl, Barry starts to threaten James by saying are you scared of me? Instead of being like everyone else and dreaded interactions with Barry, like Ishmael Lesuer and Bill Kingsley, James replies by saying “… I’m not afraid of anything.” (pg. 70) He later explains that “this was the result of removing a brain tumor.” (pg. 74) After these events, Barry then decides to put this theory to the test by putting his worst phobia prior his surgery, insects, into his desk. But instead of James being scared like Barry had assumed, “… in all the chaos, Scobie hadn’t moved an inch.” (pg. 85) This had an awesome feeling as a reader because it puts you in a position that makes you feel like James is a superhero, and his power is that he fears nothing. 

James has an impact on readers because he is kind and generous., Scobie is never rude or arrogant to anyone, instead he is kind and tries to help everyone. For instance, after the whole “insect incidence”, “… Scobie presented Jeremy with a replacement stick insect that was even bigger, more gaudily colored, and more bizarrely shaped than the one that was tangled in the fan. I don’t know exactly what it was or where it came from, but it was enough to turn Jeremy Gainsborough into a gibbering idiot” (pg. 93) This has an impact on readers because it resembles how he is a kind, gentle soul to everyone. It also shows how he would go out of his way to make someone’s day better.

Without a doubt, James Scobie has a significant impact on readers because of how he stands up to his foes, how he does not fear anything, and how he is a good-natured person. What is your verdict about James Scobie?  I highly recommend that you should read this book and find what impacts this book has on.