Bridge to Terabithia — Chapter 1

About This Passage

Paterson reveals Jess's inner world through his art in this passage. The humor of the drawing (a hippo falling off a cliff with surprised fish below) contrasts sharply with the poverty and tension of Jess's real life. The phrase 'crazy animals with problems' functions as quiet self-portraiture — Jess, who has plenty of problems himself, processes his world by externalizing it into absurd, manageable images. The passage models how a writer uses specific detail rather than abstract statement to reveal character.

Narration Prompt

In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?

Discussion Questions

1. Jess hides his drawings under his mattress because his father disapproved of his wanting to be an artist. His teachers also criticize him for drawing in class. Only Miss Edmunds encourages him. What does it do to a person when the thing they love most is the thing everyone around them rejects? Does hiding his art protect Jess or harm him — or both?
2. Paterson describes Jess's drawing as something he does 'the way some people drink whiskey — the peace would start at the top of his head and seep down through his tired and tense body.' What does this comparison suggest about why Jess draws? Is the author comparing art to an addiction, a medicine, or something else entirely?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide