Bridge to Terabithia

by

Katherine Paterson

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Judy Burke Character Analysis

Leslie’s mother and Bill’s wife. A young, beautiful, and idealistic novelist, Judy is warm, accepting, and empathetic. Judy often reads poetry aloud to Jess and Leslie, filling Jess with a feeling of beauty and belonging. Jess comes to envy Leslie for having such an intellectually curious and laid-back mother, as he resents his own for being strict, controlling, and stifling.
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Judy Burke Character Timeline in Bridge to Terabithia

The timeline below shows where the character Judy Burke appears in Bridge to Terabithia. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
Friendship, Grief, and Loss Theme Icon
Individuality vs. Conformity Theme Icon
Appearances vs. Reality Theme Icon
...afraid of Leslie’s parents, but he is intimidated by them. Their names are Bill and Judy, and that is what Leslie calls them. They are both writers and intellectuals, and Jess... (full context)
Chapter 7
Friendship, Grief, and Loss Theme Icon
Individuality vs. Conformity Theme Icon
Gender Roles Theme Icon
...refinishing the living room, Jess learns to relax and enjoy being in their home. Sometimes, Judy will read them poetry while they work—and sometimes, though the poetry is in another language,... (full context)
Chapter 9
Friendship, Grief, and Loss Theme Icon
Appearances vs. Reality Theme Icon
...on her rain gear and finds boots and a coat for Jess to borrow. As Judy watches them get ready to head out into the weather, she says that she used... (full context)
Chapter 13
Friendship, Grief, and Loss Theme Icon
Individuality vs. Conformity Theme Icon
Gender Roles Theme Icon
On Wednesday, Bill and Judy return from Pennsylvania with a U-Haul, ready to pack up the Perkins place. With Leslie... (full context)