Who is Brother Whitespade from Jayber Crow: A Novel and what is their importance? Jayber_Crow English & Literature Brother Whitespade | Jayber Crow: A Novel

Brother Whitespade is the stern authority figure who young Jonas Crow faces across the desk when he arrives at Good Shepherd orphanage. He gives Jonas Crow the name of "J." In Jayber's mind, Whitespade becomes symbolic for authority of any kind that could make a decision that would affect the life of another person. Jayber avoids this kind of figure his entire life and, when faced with it again in the form of the inspection division of the state, Jayber chooses to leave Port William rather than deal with that kind of authority.