Katherine Paterson's novel, "The Bridge to Terabithia" takes a magnificent look at the true bond in a close friendship. The fact that real friendship is inseparable is marvelously shown and expressed throughout the book. Firstly, the author clearly demonstrates how one can develop a deep satisfying feeling for someone through mere competition. Secondly, Paterson goes through the relationship of two eleven year olds, which becomes deeply bonded through their own little magical world. Finally, the book displays the clear image that extreme differences in social classes can never come between true affection for someone. Thus, true friendship is faithfully inseparable and lasts forever. .
From the peak beginning of the novel, Jess Aarons is found trying to make friends by competition of racing. He's trying to show off his running talent, but to his surprise a girl beats him at his own game: "The icy mud sent little thrills of pain up their legs, so they ran splashing in the mud- (Paterson,p. marvelously18). Leslie, the champion of Jess" little races embarrasses him in front of people he was trying to please. Although she does make him look bad, little Jess sees something in her that no one else sees - the beginning of a true friendship. As the story unfolds, Jess falls in love with Leslie and they become inseparable.
Jess" and Leslie's bond of friendship gets stronger than ever before when they start their own little kingdom, deep inside the woods called Terabithia. It's only a mere tree house with ropes but the reality behind it is a lot more than just that:.
I see a land bright and clear; And the time's coming near;.
When we"ll live in this land; You and me, hand in hand. (Paterson, .
p.31).
Their friendship is brought closer than ever as they spend every afternoon playing king and queen in their fantasyland. Even when Leslie dies, she leaves poor Jess wondering blindly for days.