H.W. 10/6/11

Bridge to Terabithia:
  "Jess tried going to Terabithia alone, but it was no good. It needed Leslie to make the magic. He was afraid he would destroy everything by trying to force the magic on his own..."

My question was, why is Jess so afraid of everything? Why can't he just take a chance?
         I saw how Jess didn't have any confidence in himself. He thinks he will mess up Terabithia if he does anything.  He feels like he needs Leslie so badly in his life. And b/c of that it will make the effect of Leslie's death hit him real hard.. He thinks it is soemthing Leslies does or says that makes it all appear. I think he gets this from his family. They have raised him to do one thing. And that I believe is to follow other peoples rules. Not his own. He is growing up and has no clue what he wants to do is be the fastest runner in fifth grade. What will he do in high school? or college? Will he even go to college?

        He says he loves to draw? But is too afraid his family will be embarrased by him. Love him less. And he is afraid that his school mates (no friends) will look down on him more than they already do. The only way he does fit in is when it comes to being the fastest runner. He is hanging on to this tiny string for life. When he meets Leslie it's different. He feels as if he can be his true self and nothing or no one could hurt him in any way.  Like when he brough Maybelle Leslie teaches him to be a leader. Not a follower.