Bridge to Terabithia Essay Example

discomfort with this idea, Jess and his little sister May Belle remain best friends with Leslie. Through Leslie's friendship, Jess finds purpose in life that he never had before. A perfect day spent touring art galleries in Washington with his music teacher and crush, Miss Edmunds, makes Jess feel special, but when he returns home he learns devastating news: Leslie has drowned in the creek while swinging on a rope. Katherine Paterson's portrayal of Jess's pain and confusion emphasizes how Leslie had brought him to a new world and left him stranded there, feeling like an astronaut lost on the moon. Initially unable to cope without Leslie's support, Jess fears he will revert to his old self - fearful and insecure.Upon coming to terms with the sudden tragedy that has befallen him, the protagonist realizes that it is time for him to move on and take responsibility for both himself and his absent companion. He understands his duty to repay the world with the kindness and strength that Leslie had imparted on him when she entered his life. Though he is only able to hold onto Leslie's memory and their imaginative world of Terabithia to keep her spirit alive, he must leave his childhood behind in order to mature. Nevertheless, he recognizes that his younger sister May Belle deserves an enchanted childhood akin to the one they shared in Terabithia, and therefore he ensures that their imaginary kingdom does not die with its queen.