In your opinion, what is the most surprising thing that Jess does following the death of his best friend Leslie? Why is it surprising to you? *
Answers
Answer:
Quite a few people help Jess to cope with the death of Leslie. I think the person that has the biggest part is his father. Throughout the novel, it's clear that Jess's dad isn't the most tender, caring person in the world. He and Jess are not incredibly close, but after Leslie's death that begins to change.
The first way that Jess's dad helps is by driving after him when Jess runs out of the house. Dad drives after him and picks him up and carries him back. This is a very loving image. Dad understands what his son is going through and wraps Jess up and attempts to comfort him by being a strong physical protective presence.
Mr. Aarons does try to talk to Jess soon after Leslie's death, but Jess isn't willing to listen . . . yet. Out of anger, Jess throws the paint set that Leslie bought him into the river. Dad again goes out to his son and tries to talk to him. This time, Jess does seek out his father's thoughts about Leslie and the afterlife. Mr. Aarons does a fantastic job of comforting Jess like a young boy (by holding him) and talking to him like a young man (the discussion of heaven and hell).
Mr. Burke is also comforting to Jess. Jess goes over to the Burke household after the death and Mr. Burke hugs Jess and thanks Jess over and over again for being such a great friend to Leslie. Mr. Burke also gives Jess Leslie's pet dog. He wants Jess to take care of the dog while they are away. The dog helps bring Jess some comfort.
The last person that really helps Jess cope is his teacher, Mrs. Myers. She expresses her sympathy toward Jess and tells him about the death of her husband and how that made her feel. It comforts Jess to know that there is someone else who knows exactly how he is feeling
Answer:
Explanation:
Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr. - The main character and protagonist of the novel. Jess is a fifth-grader living in a rural Southern area. He is lonely and lost in the middle of a family of four girls when Leslie Burke moves in next door. Leslie and Jess become best friends, and the novel centers on their friendship. Jess is a budding artist whose talent receives little praise from anyone except Leslie and Miss Edmunds. Yet he is quite talented, as well as intelligent, caring, and down- to-earth. A thoroughly likable character, we are quickly drawn into his world and his personal tribulations.
Leslie Burke - Jess's new next-door neighbor and best friend. Highly intelligent and imaginative, it is her idea to build a fantasyland named Terabithia across the creek. Leslie's family is affluent and well educated, in stark contrast with the rest of the residents in the area, and has an entirely different slant on life than any of the neighbors. All this influences Leslie as well and helps to develop her uniqueness and distinct flair.
Read an IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF LESLIE BURKE.