Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge
to Terabithia. NY: Crown.
Jess’ biggest dream is to win the race and be the fastest
runner in the school. He is very close to becoming that until his new neighbor
Leslie beats him. Leslie and Jess eventually become good friends and create a
magical land where they are king and queen. When tragedy strikes their
friendship, Jess must learn to live with loss.
Bridge to Terebithia is a great example of setting and
gender/culture. The woods and farmland of the story play a big part in its
development. The main characters use the setting as a place of wonder and
imagination. They create a paradise called Terabithia where they are the
rulers. They can make anything happen in their beloved woods. Without the
excellent description of the setting, the plot of the story could not unfold.
The main characters also challenge many gender roles. Jess and Leslie are not
your typical boy and girl. Jess is a more sensitive and artistic type who finds
himself having to hide his true self from everyone but Leslie. Leslie, on the
other hand, loves to run and likes more traditionally male pastimes. She,
however, does not hide who she is at all. She is able to show her true colors
to the world, and with her example, Jess is able to do that as well.
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