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what is bridge of terabithia about

by Genoveva Daugherty Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Bridge to Terabithia is about Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two fifth-graders who become friends and create an imaginary land called Terabithia, where they can go to forget about their problems. The book deals with themes of friendship, childhood, and being an individual.Mar 3, 2022

Full Answer

Is bridge to Terabithia based on a true story?

'Bridge To Terabithia' Is Based On A True Story, And It's Even Sadder Than The Book. The real Bridge to Terabithia story began back in 1974, when something that happened to Paterson and her family inspired her to write the book. Sometimes the truth is more depressing than its fictional counterpart.

What is the moral lesson of bridge to Terabithia?

What is the moral of the Bridge to Terabithia? The main theme in Bridge to Terabithia is friendship. Once Jess and Leslie become friends, they are able to help each other face problems at school and home. While they are in Terabithia, they are also able to help each other escape reality.

What is the main idea of bridge to Terabithia?

What is the main theme of "Bridge to Terabithia"? One of the main themes in the novel is friendship, namely the friendship between Jess and Leslie. The novel highlights the importance of friendship and how it helps a person develop at a personal level.

What inspired her to write bridge to Terabithia?

Award-winning children's author Katherine Paterson was inspired to write The Bridge to Terabithia after her son's childhood friend was struck and killed by lightning. They create a make-believe world of their own and forge a fast friendship before a tragic end.

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What is the meaning behind Bridge to Terabithia?

Award-winning children's author Katherine Paterson was inspired to write The Bridge to Terabithia after her son's childhood friend was struck and killed by lightning. The book has since become a classic and was just released as a Disney film.

What is the problem in the story Bridge to Terabithia?

The rickety bridge is slippery, and she falls and hits her head on a rock. Leslie isn't able to overcome this conflict, as she sadly drowns in the water. This conflict extends into the resolution of the story when Jesse tries to find a way to overcome his loss and rebuild his life without Leslie.

What kind of story is Bridge to Terabithia?

realistic fiction genreBridge to Terabithia is in the realistic fiction genre, which means the story is made up but realistic enough that it could have actually happened in real life. It deals with realistic themes, like feeling lonely, making friends, and death.

Why do Jess and Leslie avoid each other at school?

Why did Leslie and Jess avoid one another during school hours? They didn't want people to start talking about them.

How does Bridge to Terabithia end?

The ending of Bridge to Terabithia is sad, but it's also beautiful. Leslie dies, and that's awful. She was Jess's best friend and, he felt, the best part of himself: "his other, more exciting self – his way to Terabithia and all the worlds beyond" (4.138).

Is Bridge to Terabithia real or imaginary?

Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia is a work of realistic fiction that behaves like fantasy. It employs common tropes of the children's fantasy tradition, in which child characters often leave the “real” world for an alternate magical space, participate in adventures, and return again to normalcy.

What age is Bridge to Terabithia for?

Book Review This coming-of-age story by Katherine Paterson is published by HarperCollins. It's written for ages 10 and up. The age range reflects readability and not necessarily content appropriateness.

Was Terabithia real or their imagination?

Paterson drew inspiration for the novel from a real event that occurred in August 1974 when her son's friend was struck dead by lightning. Thomas Y. Crowell Co. The novel tells the story of fifth grader Jesse Aarons, who becomes friends with his new neighbor, Leslie Burke, after he loses a footrace to her at school.

Does Jess have a crush on Leslie?

Later that day as they leave Terabithia, Jess starts to fall in love with Leslie. The next day, Jess' music teacher, Miss Edmunds, takes him to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.. Since he has a crush on her, he does not turn her down, nor does he invite Leslie to come along.

Why did the rope break in Bridge to Terabithia?

Jess's father fills in the rest of the information for him. Leslie had tried to swing into Terabithia and the rope broke. She hit her head on something when she fell, which explains why the fact that she could swim did not help her.

Is there Bridge to Terabithia 2?

Bridge to Terabithia 2 : The Lost Kingdom.

What is the climax of Bridge to Terabithia?

climax The moment when Jess returns from his trip to Washington with Miss Edmunds to find that Leslie has drowned. antagonist There is no clearly defined antagonist in Bridge to Terabithia; the closest thing would be society and its pressures to conform.

What is the bridge to Terabithia about?

Bridge to Terabithia is a book about two children named Leslie and Jesse who create a magical forest kingdom in their imaginations. The novel was written by Katherine Paterson and published in 1977 by Thomas Crowell. In 1978, it won the Newbery Medal. Paterson drew inspiration for the novel from a real event that occurred in August 1974 when her son's friend was struck dead by lightning.

Why is Bridge to Terabithia so poignant?

In a retrospective essay about the Newbery Medal-winning books from 1976 to 1985, literary critic Zena Sutherland wrote of Bridge to Terabithia, "The poignant story is all the more effective because Paterson lets Jesse express his grief and guilt rather than telling readers that he feels them.

What happened to Leslie and Jess in Terabithia?

Returning home, he learns that while he was away, Leslie attempted to visit Terabithia on her own and drowned in the creek when the rope broke and she hit her head on a rock.

Who is the main character in Bridge to Terabithia?

Characters. Main article: List of Bridge to Terabithia characters. Jess Aarons — In the beginning of the novel, is habitually fearful, angry and depressed due to his family struggles. He also has a crush on his music teacher, Miss Edmunds, which plays an integral role in the final events of the story.

Who is the bully in the book Terabithia?

At school, Jess and Leslie are challenged by an older bully named Janice Avery.

Who are the sisters in Terabithia?

She is welcomed into his world because of being the only one who to show any sort of empathy for, or acceptance of, him in his family. Ellie and Brenda Aarons — Jess' two older sisters.

Who wrote the music for Bridge to Terabithia?

It was catalogued by the Library of Congress in 1993, with primary credit to Steve Liebman for the music, as Bridge to Terabithia: a play with music (New York: S. French, c1992).

Who is the girl in Bridge to Terabithia?

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson is about two fifth-graders, Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke. Jess has been practicing all summer for the school recess races. However, everyone is shocked when a new kid beats all of the boys during the race. That kid is Leslie, and eventually she and Jess become good friends.

What is the theme of the book Terabithia?

Childhood is another theme in the book. When they're in Terabithia, Jess and Leslie use their imaginations and enjoy being children. Outside of Terabithia, Jess and Leslie are growing up and have to deal with issues like bullying and trying to get the approval of classmates and families.

What happened to Leslie in Terabithia?

One morning, Leslie decides to go to Terabithia alone, and a terrible accident happens. As Leslie is crossing the creek, the rope breaks and she drowns in the water. Jess is heartbroken.

What is the Bridge to Terabithia about?

The story is about Jess and Leslie, a couple of lonely kids who find one another and create their own imaginary world in nature, called Terabithia. It even won the Newbery Medal for distinguished children's literature.

What happens at the end of Terabithia?

In the end of the story, the author brings the story back to reality - when Leslie goes to visit Terabithia alone one day, she never makes it back, and Jesse must learn to deal with the death of his friend and live without her .

Where does Leslie introduce Jess to the magical kingdom?

But eventually, they become very close friends, and Leslie introduces Jess to the magical kingdom in the woods, where they often go to escape their daily lives. They're king and queen of Terabithia, where they make the rules use their imaginations to make it a land of wonder.

Is Terabithia real?

Despite the big role that imagination plays here, Jesse and Leslie know that their imaginary world is not real. So, because they're aware that Terabithia is make-beli eve, it doesn't make the story any less realistic fiction.

Storyline

Jesse is picked on at school and had no friends until Leslie, the new girl, befriends him and they begin to come really close. They use their imaginations and create a world called Terabithia, only for the wonderful fantasy to end in disaster, tragedy and loss. But it's up to Jesse to remember what Leslie taught him and to stay happy. — Joffysloffy

Did you know

It was AnnaSophia Robb who came up with the name of the Dark Master. Initially in production, it was referred to as the "Key Monster."

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By what name was Bridge to Terabithia (2007) officially released in Japan in Japanese?

What happens to Leslie and Jess in Terabithia?

Jess and Leslie continue to visit Terabithia even in the bad weather, but Je ss becomes increasingly nervous about navigating the rope swing —especially when Prince Terrien comes along, as he is getting bigger and harder to take across on the swing. This passage foreshadows trouble.

What do Jess' sisters worry about?

As Easter approaches, Jess ’s older sisters begin to worry about what they’ll wear to church. The family only goes once a year on Easter, and the visit is a big one. Mrs. Aarons tells Brenda and Ellie that she’ll take them shopping soon—but one afternoon, Mr. Aarons brings home the news that he’s been laid off from work. Brenda and Ellie react with tears, refusing to go to church if there’s no money for new clothes. Mrs. Aarons tries to get them to see that there’s more going on than their own problems, but the girls continue pressing the issue until Jess can’t take it anymore and goes outside to milk Miss Bessie.

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Overview

Bridge to Terabithia is a novel written by Katherine Paterson, about two children named Leslie and Jesse who create a magical forest kingdom in their imaginations. The book was originally published in 1977 by Thomas Crowell, and in 1978, it won the Newbery Medal. Paterson drew inspiration for the novel from a real event that occurred in August 1974 when her son’s friend was struc…

Background of book

Katherine Paterson lived for a time in Takoma Park, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. The novel was inspired by an incident during that time: on August 14, 1974, her son David's best friend, Lisa Christina Hill, died after being struck by lightning in Bethany Beach, Delaware. She was eight years old.
The name of the imaginary kingdom is similar to that of the Narnian island Terebinthia, created by C. …

Plot summary

Ten-year-old Jesse "Jess" Aarons has trained all summer to be the fastest runner in his rural school. Secretly, he wants to be an artist, but his father disapproves. He has a crush on the school music teacher, Miss Edmunds, the only person who encourages him to draw.
Jess's new neighbor, Leslie Burke, is a wealthy tomboy from Arlington, Virginia. At recess on the first day of school, Leslie outruns everyone. The other students mock her for being a teacher's p…

Characters

• Jesse Aarons – In the beginning of the novel, he is habitually fearful, angry and depressed due to his family struggles. He also has a crush on his music teacher, Miss Edmunds, which plays an integral role in the final events of the story. After meeting and then ultimately losing Leslie, he is transformed, in that he becomes courageous and lets go of his anger and frustration.
• Leslie Burke – An intelligent, talented, imaginative, outgoing girl, it is she who creates the imaginary kingdom …

Reception

At the time of the book's publication, Kirkus Reviews said, "Paterson, who has already earned regard with her historical fiction set in Japan, proves to be just as eloquent and assured when dealing with contemporary American children--and Americans of very different backgrounds at that." According to The Horn Book Magazine, "Jess and his family are magnificently characterized; the book abounds in descriptive vignettes, humorous sidelights on the clash of cultures, and real…

Literary significance

The novel's content has been the frequent target of censors. It ranks number 8 on the American Library Association list of most commonly challenged books in the United States for 1990–1999. On the ALA list for 2000–2009 it ranks #28. The challenges stem from death being a part of the plot; Jesse's frequent use of the word "lord" outside of prayer; allegations that it promotes secular humanism, New Age religion, occultism, and Satanism; and for use of offensive language.

Adaptations

Two films have been made based on the novel, both with the original title. One was a PBS TV movie made in 1985, starring Annette O'Toole, Julian Coutts, and Julie Beaulieu.
The second was a theatrical film released on February 16, 2007, directed by the co-creator of Nickelodeon's Rugrats and former Hanna-Barbera animator Gabor Csupo and starring Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Robert Patrick, Bailee Madison, and Zooey Deschanel; the adapt…

See also

• Beat the Turtle Drum
• Waiting To Dive

1.Bridge To Terabithia Summary and Study Guide

Url:https://www.supersummary.com/bridge-to-terabithia/summary/

21 hours ago Overview. Since its 1977 publication, Bridge to Terabithia has become a classic children’s novel. The author, Katherine Paterson, wrote the novel after her son’s best friend was killed by lightning. The novel won a Newbery Medal and is beloved by readers all over the world. Bridge to …

2.Bridge to Terabithia (novel) - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_to_Terabithia_(novel)

29 hours ago Jess Aarons is an eleven-year-old boy living in a rural area of the South who loves to run. He dreams of being the fastest boy in the fifth grade when school starts up in the fall, feeling that …

3.Bridge to Terabithia: Full Book Summary | SparkNotes

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/terabithia/summary/

4 hours ago ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ invites readers into the life of the troubled Jesse Aarons from a small town called Lark Creek. Jesse feels lonely for not getting the attention he needs from his parents – …

4.Bridge to Terabithia: Summary & Themes - Study.com

Url:https://study.com/academy/lesson/bridge-to-terabithia-summary-themes.html

25 hours ago Bridge to Terabithia, published by Katherine Paterson in 1977, is a classic children's story. The story is about Jess and Leslie, a couple of lonely kids who find one another and create their …

5.Bridge to Terabithia: Facts & Genre | Study.com

Url:https://study.com/academy/lesson/bridge-to-terabithia-facts-genre.html

15 hours ago The bridge in the book ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ symbolizes many things among which include; hope for a better life, and the line between real and unreal. For Jesse, building the bridge and …

6.Bridge to Terabithia (2007) - Plot Summary - IMDb

Url:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398808/plotsummary

28 hours ago Synopsis. Two children, seen as outcasts by their peers, imagine a world in which their foes are those who taunt them in real life. Together, they alter their imaginary world by changes …

7.Bridge to Terabithia (2007) - IMDb

Url:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398808/

26 hours ago Analysis. Throughout March, it rains for the entire month. Jess and Leslie continue to visit Terabithia even in the bad weather, but Jess becomes increasingly nervous about navigating …

8.Bridge to Terabithia Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Url:https://www.litcharts.com/lit/bridge-to-terabithia/chapter-8

12 hours ago

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