Review_of_Terabithia

Derrick Cannon Children’s Literature 31982 Bridge to Terabithia had a great deal of symbolism. It had the growing pains of late adolescence , the trying times that poor families may go through, and the pain of losing a loved one. It is this later theme that is the strongest in the book. Leslie has or had beliefs in a great many areas. She had faith in herself, faith in her commitments, and faith to treat everyday as a gift and a new opportunity. There is one thing that she did not have faith in, and this leads to does heaven or hell really exist, or is it just a concept. This argument heats up for the first time when Leslie tells Jess she does not believe in the bible. May Bell then tells Leslie that if she does not believe in the bible she will forever rest in the boiling pit that is known as hell, her soul forever condemned. Jess tells Leslie that this is in the bible. Leslie has an ironic response that while they think the bible is more of a chore and believe in it, Leslie who doesn’t feels that it is wondrous and beautiful. It is this response that got me wondering, is it faith in the bible, and the knowledge that it is true, or is it the works that you do while you are alive that truly matters. This has been a question asked time and time again. I feel that it takes a combination of both to truly recognize the bible. It is a book that contains many facets how to live life, but if you do not follow it do you truly believe in it. This story plays into it, as Leslie was a great kid, but had no faith in the bible, she however finds it fascinating. If that is true why does she not believe in it. Jess finds the bible to be boring and tedious, and not much of a thrill or a guide to live life by, so how can he say he truly believes in it. It may be the only book in his house but if he does not follow it, what right does he have to criticize someone who does not believe in it. Leslie died shortly after this chapter ended. The ending with May Bell crying to Leslie as if she was going to die before hand, kind of symbolizes the sirens and banshees of Greek and Irish folk lore. The cry was quickly answered as Leslie swung on a tragically misshapen rope and plummeted to her death. Jess then cries to his father and said will she go to hell Daddy. His dad gives a response that no child ever goes to hell. If that is true then what does it matter if a child finds faith, or if a teen finds faith or even an adult. This remark practically throws the faith question out the door, and it settles Jess’s fear of Leslie being condemned forever. I feel that you need faith to survive in life, even if you do not have faith in the bible I feel that your soul can be at ease, if you have faith in some type of method, or if you can just enjoy life to the fullest and die doing something that you love. This book at first glance has very little to do with bible stories, however by the time you are finished it has a great deal to do with many of the tragedies that you would find in it. The story ends with a new beginning that is almost like the bibles new dawn, the gates of heaven in many ways are like the version of Terabithia that you see at the very end of the book. The book signals a new dawn if you can just keep your eyes shut and your mind wide opened.