Todd Strasser's On The Bridge

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Short Story Essay Adolescents are often faced with the effects of misfortunate friendships. In Todd Strasser’s short story, On the Bridge, the main character, Seth Dawson’s ultimate success is the maturing of his understanding of his own self-identity as a result of ending his brief, tumultuous friendship with Adam Lockwood. Seth’s understanding is driven by his traits of conscientiousness and self-reliance, which are also the key factors that lead to his ultimate success. Seth’s understanding of his conscience is a key factor that led to the end of the friendship with Adam. Seth’s conscience is revealed throughout the story when he displays selflessness, good nature, and sincerity. This is seen when Seth protects Adam by not squealing to a group of “three big guys” who approached the boys with intentions to hurt whoever threw a rock to damage their car. Strasser writes, “In the meantime the three big guys came closer … Seth felt his stomach tighten painfully. His heart began to beat like a machine gun … Seth and Adam glanced at each other. Seth was determined not to tell. He didn’t believe in squealing on his friends. But suddenly he noticed that all three guys were staring at him. He quickly looked at Adam and saw why. Adam was pointing at him.” Evidently, although Seth was scared of the “three big guys,” Seth’s selflessness and desire to do what is right in this situation shows how he …show more content…

Furthermore, Seth learns that he does not have to do what other people want him to do or look to his peers as an influence. From ending the friendship with Adam, Seth ultimately finds success in his development of his own self-identity through realising he differs from Adam conscientiously and learning to be self-reliant without Adam. Often times, adolescents must decide if fitting in with their friends are worth having to give up a part of their true

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