HOW NARRATIVE CONVENTIONS CONSTRUCT DIFFERENT IDEAS

“A well-composed book is a magic carpet on which we are wafted to a world that we cannot
enter in any other way.” ― Caroline Gordon. Bridge to Terabithia was written in 1977
by Katherine Paterson and follows the story of protagonist Jess Aarons, a fifth grader who
struggles socially at school and financially at home- who then meets Leslie Burke and
becomes best friends. Together they create a magical world that they name Terabithia
which helps them escape their stressful lives and learn how both of them are there for each
other until one day tragedy strikes when Jess realises that Leslie is dead. The narrative
conventions of setting, dialogue, characterisation, and plot in Bridge to Terabithia have been
manipulated to explore ideas such as the importance of self-acceptance, the power of
friendship, and the importance of imagination and creativity.

The novel explores the importance of self-acceptance through the characterisation of Jesse
and Mr. Aarons and May Belle. Because of Mr. Aaron’s conservative values of how boys are
only supposed to do manly stuff, the reader is encouraged to disagree with his views. Not
only that but through Jesse’s character development, the importance of self-acceptance is
conveyed. At the start of the novel, Jesse tries to show his father a drawing to share his
artistic ability; but instead, his father said- “Bunch of old ladies turning my only son into
some kind of a ---”. Through the modality of “only” for an only son, it shows that Jess’s
father has high expectations of his son who Mr. Aaron thinks is acting ‘gay’ or like a ‘girl’
because he draws. Not only that, in Lark Creek, back then, it was very common for people to
follow the value- of ‘traditional gender roles’ so it took a long time for both Mr. Aarons and
Jesse to realise that it is important to accept the way you are and that you do not have to
play all your given gender roles. The act of Mr. Aarons makes the readers feel sympathetic
for Jess for him not having anyone to talk or someone who accepts him hence why self-
acceptance is extremely important. To add on, after Leslie dies, Jess decides to build a
bridge as swinging across a rope to the other side of the creek is why she died. Then, when
May Belle tried to cross the creek, she was stuck halfway and was too scared to move. Even
though Jesse to was scared too, he helped May Belle and after May Belle was embarrassed
for acting like a coward, Jess replies- 'Everyone gets scared sometimes May Belle. You don't
have to be ashamed. This quote shows how finally, after many struggles, he accepted
himself and realised that it was ok to be scared no matter want gender you are. The
development of the character Jesse being scared several times and accepting it to help May
Belle feel better shows the importance of self-acceptance. Here, it proves how important
self-acceptance is as not only is it good to appreciate who you are but you can teach or
surrounds such as family and friends. Jess wouldn’t have understood himself if it wasn’t for
Leslie, whose friendship allowed him to accept himself who pushed and encouraged him to
draw and do what he loves.

The power of friendship is demonstrated through the characterisation of Leslie and Jess,
their point of view, and the plot. Jess befriending Leslie allowed him to gain confidence,
have emotional support, and escape his stressful life. When Jesse realises that he struggles
with life, he realises that- “Leslie… was his other, more exciting self—his way to Terabithia
and all the worlds beyond”. In this quote, “his other, more exciting self” is an example of a
metaphor and shows how Leslie brings out another self of Jess, the artistic and creative side
that he has hidden. The quote shows the characterisation of Leslie who helps him see the
scary world look more exciting and happier. Not only that the quote provides insight into
the plot of Bridge to Terabithia by highlighting the role Leslie plays in Jess’s life and the
importance of their friendship in shaping the event of the story. Jess’s life which used to be
stressful and dull is brighten like a candle when he becomes friends with Leslie as
consequently, it is clear to say that friendship is powerful. Nevertheless, as Jess’s friendship
gets stronger with Leslie, he realises that- “For the first time in his life he got up every
morning with something to look forward to." Here, the point of view allows the reader to
focus on Jess’s perspective and understand his character development- how when Leslie can
into his life, he becomes more confident and happier. In the quote, exaggeration can be
found when Jess says that- ‘For the first time in his life’ showing how powerful friendship
can be strong enough to change Jess completely. Bridge to Terabithia shows how the Leslie
and Jess’s strong friendship allowed them to discover new places and use their
creativity/imagination to strengthen their friendship.

The novel explores the significance of imagination by portraying the character development
of Jesse and Leslie, dialogue, and their adventures in the mystical setting- Terabithia. Their
inventive and imaginative minds inspire readers to appreciate and admire the new world. At
the beginning of the novel, when Leslie expresses her desire in making a magical country,
she tells Jess- "It could be a magic country like Narnia, and the only way you can get in is by
swinging across on this enchanted rope...Come on...Let's find a place to build our castle
stronghold." The simile of the "magical country like Narnia" talks about the characterisation
of Leslie- who wants to create an imaginary world similar to Narnia where they can have
their own kingdom. Leslie comparing her 'magical land' with 'Narnia' tells the readers how
Leslie has a vivid imagination and a desire for escapism, showing how important imagination
is to her. The use of "enchanted rope" suggests that there's an element of magic involved in
entering the setting, exaggerating a nondescript rope as magical. Imagination is important
as, it is the only thing Jess and Leslie have something in common- imagination is very
significant as Bridge to Terabithia the whole story is about this idea. Later, Leslie describes
Terabithia as being haunted to Jesse, and says- "This is not an ordinary place... Even the
rulers of Terabithia come into it only at times of greatest sorrow or greatest joy. We must
strive to keep it sacred. It would not do to disturb the Spirits." This quote tells us about the
character development of Jess and Leslie as they learn to navigate their emotions and form
a deep bond with each other through their shared experiences in Terabithia. Not only that,
but it also suggests that the setting, Terabithia is special and sacred. The rulers of Terabithia;
Jess, and Leslie, only visit it during times of great joy or sorrow, and the mention of 'Spirits'
also implies that Terabithia is magical and a meaningful place for the characters. Through
their imagination, they were able to find new ways to build their friendship and find
solutions to their problems such as self-acceptance.

In conclusion, The Bridge to Terabithia explores ideas such as the importance of self-
acceptance, the power of friendship, and the importance of imagination and creativity
through the narrative conventions- setting, dialogue, characterisation, and plot. Leslie has
helped Jess so by giving comfort as a best friend, unlocking new parts of Jess, making him
accept himself, and has developed him to be happy. Additionally, Leslie gave him her world
of imagination. She gave him a sense of belonging and turned the crazy kid who loves to
draw to know into the ruler of Terabithia. Bridge to Terabithia shows how there is always
someone in the world for us who change us into a better person and helps us embrace our
unique talents and abilities.