【103-2 第三名】休運二 張〇心：Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

參賽者：張〇心（休運二）
名次：第三名
書名：Bridge to Terabithia
得獎作品：

     After finishing reading the book, I realize how a dream world, Terabithia, built by imagination, totally changes Jesse’s life.

     Under the control of the present educational system, students are required to conform and play it by rule, and there is not much room left for originality. Whoever goes astray from the normal way is more likely to be viewed as a strange fish. Thus, “yuk” is others’ reaction to those who want to go their own way. For instance, Jesse didn’t dare to show his drawings to his father or teachers since they disliked his drawings and took his work as nothing but wasting time and talent. Not until Jesse met Leslie, did Jesse feel happy about his life. Unlike Jesse, Leslie was a frank and outspoken girl. Different as they seemed to be, there was one thing in common between them and that was the expression ‘yuk’. In their school, Jesse was the only boy who didn’t play football, while Leslie was the only girl who played football well. Gradually, Jesse and Leslie became best friends.

     Thus, Terabithia, out of their imagination, was formed and offered them an escape from reality. Besides, this imaginary world belonged to them only. Nothing was impossible in Terabithia, where they could beat imaginary enemies and where they shared laughters, angers, as well as sadness. To Jesse, he finally got a place to pursue his dream and had the power to tackle sticky problems in life. Everything seemed to be greater than before.

     However, with the drowning of Leslie in the creek, Jesse’s world of happiness dramatically changed into a tragic one. At the thought of the significant turning point in the story, I keep wondering how Jesse overcame the great pain of losing Leslie. In my opinion, Leslie’s death represents the power of ‘the real world’ at work because no matter how wonderful the dream world is, people have no choice but to be pulled back and face the music. Sorrowful as the process is, Jesse grows mature from denial to final acceptance.

     By reading this story, I realize that everyone has Terabithia within, which was built by friendship, courage and the desire to live better, whether it is a place, a power or a belief. Terabithia is at work and helps us pluck up enough courage to overcome difficulties, especially when we lose faith in ourselves.