bridge to terabithia expanding on a note

Note: "both Leslie and jess are expected to be something they are not. could this be why they are friends and why they built Terabithia?"


Both leslie and jess are expected to be someone or something that they are not, like for example, jesse's dad wants him to be tough and 'act like a guy'. but jesse's very into drawing, but his dad has so many expectations for him that, jesse is afraid to tell him, or anyone for fear of humiliation.


leslie is expected to act like 'a girl'. which means to have nice, long hair and to play things like dolls and to play with other girls. but she prefers to race with the guys rather than go over to the girls side and play with the girls during recess.


i think that what the author is trying to say is that, there are so many sterotypes about who we are supposed to be, and how we are supposed to act, that everyone is afraid to actually show they really are. and when some of them build up the courage to do so, they are laughed at and made fun of for being 'different' or weird.


this really sort of bugs me because, i mean, all o those people that laugh at the 'outcasts' are probably hiding a big secret themselves. and since they are afraid to show their big secret, they find comfort in laughing at those who are way braver than they are because those 'outcasts' are at least brave enough in the first place to actually show their differences and what they think about all of these steryotypes.


leslie is a good example of the 'outcasts' that are being punished for being brave a nd showing their true selves. and jesse is like an example of those who are still hiding.


this book really kind of shows what is wrong with these steryotypes and how they are affecting us and our society. preventing us from being ourselves. i like the way the author shows nthat, through the characters rather than just stating it. that makes stick in your head longer, and you actually learn from it and relate to it.