Justin Foley in 13 Reasons Why: A Journey of Personal Struggles and Trauma
13 Reasons Why is a controversial TV show that explores the suicide of a high school student named Hannah Baker. Amongst the thirteen reasons she cites for her decision, Justin Foley is one of the most prominent figures in her life. Justin, played by Brandon Flynn, is a character that evolves drastically over the course of the show, from a character with a seemingly perfect life to an empathetic young man with a deep understanding of his flaws and traumatic experiences. In this article, we will explore Justin Foley’s character development and journey, as well as how it sheds light on important real-life issues, such as sexual assault and toxic masculinity.
Analyzing Justin Foley’s Character Development in 13 Reasons Why
Discuss Justin’s initial image as a popular jock
Justin Foley first appears in the show as a popular jock who seems to have it all: good looks, athletic abilities, and a beautiful girlfriend. He is portrayed as a stereotypical high school student who is proud of his popularity and at times bullies others, including protagonist Clay Jensen. However, as the show progresses, Justin’s life and story become increasingly complicated.
Analyze Justin’s personal struggles and how they shape him throughout the show
As the show proceeds, we learn that Justin’s seemingly perfect life is filled with serious issues, including financial struggles, addiction, abusive relationships, and a history of trauma that haunts him. Through the course of the show, Justin endures some of the most painful experiences, including the death of his mother due to a heroin overdose and being lividly traded by his mother’s drug dealer to Bryce Walker, the rapist of Hannah Baker and also a friend of Justin, as a means to pay off his mother’s debt.
Discuss Justin’s ultimate fate and how he learns from his mistakes
As the show concludes, we see Justin reach an ultimate fate that is impactful yet tragic, as he is diagnosed with AIDS due to his drug use. Despite this, we see that Justin has evolved into a more empathetic and self-aware character, who has learned from his mistakes and tries to make amends where he can. Justin has one of the most tragic story arcs of the show; however, this makes him one of the most relatable and multidimensional characters.
The Tragic Journey of Justin Foley from 13 Reasons Why
Analysis of Justin’s traumatic experiences
Throughout the show, Justin experiences a series of traumatic events that shape his character. He witnesses his mother’s overdose, which leads to her death, and has to deal with an emotionally abusive stepfather who treats him like a servant. On top of this, Justin is also exposed to sexual assault and is taken advantage of by Bryce. The show does an excellent job of displaying the negative impact that these experiences have on Justin’s mental health.
Discussion on the impact of trauma on mental health and everyday life
The show highlights some of the mental health issues that come along with traumatic events. We see Justin engaging in destructive behaviors such as drug addiction and disassociation to cope with his PTSD. The depiction of PTSD in the show is painfully accurate, and the audience can connect with Justin and the trauma he goes through on a personal level.
Exploring the coping mechanisms Justin adopts to deal with his PTSD
As Justin struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, he adopts various coping mechanisms, some of which are healthy, and others not so much. One form of unhealthy coping is substance use, which helps him numb his emotions and dissociate from his feelings, whilst the healthier coping mechanisms include supporting his friends and trying to right some of the wrongs he has caused in his life.
How Justin Foley’s Storyline in 13 Reasons Why Addresses Real Life Issues
Identify a few real-life issues that are addressed in the show
One of the reasons Justin Foley’s character is so impactful is because his story highlights real-life issues that so many struggling young people face. Sexual assault, gun violence, mental health stigmas, and drug addiction are all touched upon in the show.
Analyze how Justin Foley’s character storyline fits into these real-life issues
Justin’s character represents those young people who have undergone violence or control in their households and feel helpless. He is also the representation of drug addiction and the stigma that comes along with it. His character storyline further helps audiences to connect and sympathize with people going through similar issues, and provide some background knowledge to the people who are not aware of what young people residing in poverty undergo.
Discuss how this character could help people who face similar issues
The significance of Justin Foley’s character in the show is that he gives young people who face these issues a relatable character example who has overcome adversity. His character strives to ignite hope and raises awareness about how these real-life issues can cause people to feel emotionless and fall into self-destructive behavior. Justin is an inspiration to show that no matter what kind of traumas one has faced, they can rise above and become a better person.
A Look at the Relationship Dynamics Between Jessica and Justin in 13 Reasons Why
Analyze the Jessica and Justin’s Relationship
A significant plotline in the show is Justin Foley’s relationship with Jessica Davis, who is sexually assaulted by Bryce. Their relationship is one that is fraught with pain, guilt, and trauma. Justin, who was unaware of the assault, struggles to be there for Jessica as she heals from her trauma.
Discussion on the issues of sexual assault and toxic masculinity in the relationship
The show deals with sexual assault sensitively and depicts the ways in which trauma manifests and affects those who have undergone it. In terms of toxic masculinity, this is explored through Bryce, who uses his status and wealth to dominate and control the female lead characters. Justin, although a victim of this type of toxic masculinity himself, does begin to understand this and tries to right his past wrongs.
Analyzing how the show portrays the #MeToo movement
The Justin and Jessica storyline addresses the #MeToo movement head-on. The show depicts the ‘locker-room’ talk that occurs between some of the male characters and showcases the power dynamic of sexual assault and its ramifications both on an individual and societal level.
Why Justin Foley is such a Compelling Character in 13 Reasons Why
Discuss why Justin Foley’s character is so captivating
Justin Foley’s character is captivating because he is a realistic portrayal of a young person with deep-seated trauma and emotional and mental life difficulties. The character’s storyline, including his trauma sees him experience a full spectrum of emotions, and that allows the audience to connect with him on a more intimate level.
Analyze the acting and representation of the character
Another reason Justin Foley’s character is so captivating is due to Brandon Flynn’s captivating acting, who expertly brings the character to life. The contrasting emotions that Justin experiences are portrayed effectively with Flynn’s acting, and this gives life to Foley’s complex character.
What sets Justin apart from other characters in the show
What sets Justin apart from the other characters in the show is that his character is the most complex due to the traumatic experiences he experienced. Justin’s character is one of the few who is faced with drug addiction, trauma, sexual assault, and toxic masculinity, portraying a realistic look into young adult realities. This multifaceted character development is what makes Justin such a compelling character and why he is always interesting to watch.
Conclusion
Recap of the significance of Justin Foley’s character
Justin Foley’s character journey is thought-provoking, compelling, and heartbreaking to watch. The show’s representation of his character and his development displays that people can undergo trauma and still come out the other side stronger. Foley’s character represents how trauma does not define an individual, but is simply a part of their story.
Highlight how Justin’s character can help us understand and deal with related real life issues
Justin Foley’s character on 13 Reasons Why is essential because it helps audiences understand and address real-life issues such as sexual assault, PTSD, drug addiction, toxic masculinity, and mental health stigmas.
Final thoughts on the impact of Justin Foley on the show and the audience
Justin Foley’s character is one of the most important in 13 Reasons Why, due to his relatability to audiences. The complex character development and Brandon Flynn’s acting capture the gravity of his experiences and show audiences that hope is a possibility.