An Analysis Of Bridge To Terabithia

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Literature offers a variety of genres to each type of reader. It is important to bear in mind that when teenagers can pick which literature texts read, their interests may function as condition to choose what literature genre they will read. Some adolescents may choose science fiction as their favorite literature genre. As Bucher and Manning point out, “Science Fiction books allow readers to enter imaginative worlds that are full of endless possibilities. Young adults also enjoy escaping to the strange worlds of speculative fiction. Speculative fiction refers to all nonrealistic fiction including fantasy, science fiction, and horror” (page 56). Science fiction books may describe an alternative Earth society that is not under our rules of nature. …show more content…

By creating a fictional story that is true-to-life, realistic fiction helps young adults explore socially significant themes and events, empathize with others, and examine complex human interactions” (page 87). Contemporary realistic fiction includes, thus, themes that are easily find in young adults’ daily life, such as overcoming fears and accepting responsibilities, understanding families, divorce, and adoption, or developing and mature, among others. Bridge to Terabithia, a novel written by Katherine Paterson, is a great example of realistic fiction, as it includes themes such as friendship, family, and death. What is more, it describes a normal countryside society of the United States. The Giver and Bridge to Terabithia describe, therefore, different communities that are under different set of rules. The Giver’s submissive society differ strongly from The Bridge to Terabithia’s society, which is characterized by the freedom its inhabitants …show more content…

Bridge to Terabithia describes the lives of a traditional society located in the countryside of the United States of America. The members of this society have to follow certain rules, but they do not interfere in their personal interests. For instance, Jess, the main character of this novel, struggles against his family’s prejudices of him wishing to become an artist. “He would like to show his drawings to his dad, but he didn’t dare. When he was in first grade, he had told his dad that he wanted to be an artist when he grew up. He’d thought his dad would be pleased. He wasn’t. (…) Bunch of old ladies turning my only son into some kind of a…” (page 12). This quote shows how Jess’s dad follows the typical stereotypes that society has built. Jess’s father does not want his son to become an artist because that is not what men do. It is inacceptable for him and therefore, he blames the educational system for Jess’ interests’ development. However, Jess continues drawing secretly: he hides under his bed sheets and does not mention the topic in front of his family. Jess is aware that his family members are the ones that do not accept his passionate interest, but his music teacher does. This means that if someone can appreciate his art, others may as well. Thus, Jess is free to pursue his dreams. Another way in which the society is not highly demanded is regarding family

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