The Bridge Home

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Chapters 7-12

Chapters 13-20

Chapters 21-33

Chapter 34-Author’s Note

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Literary Devices

Foreshadowing

Venkatraman’s writing style is like the Greek tragedies. The most important development in the story, the death of Rukku, is foreshadowed from the beginning and becomes an inevitable weight as the story continues toward its conclusion. From Chapter 1, Viji is writes to her sister who is not present, though the reader does not know the reason for her absence. Throughout the narrative, ominous clues are given that suggest more and more strongly that Rukku is dead.

Venkatraman keeps the reader in suspense about the full reality of what she has hinted until the moment that Viji and Arul show up at the hospital to give Rukku her new doll, only to find that she has died. The matter-of-fact treatment of her death and following decisions about her body are a stark contrast to the importance the narrative bestows upon her as a main character. In this way, Venkatraman calls attention to the brutal contradiction between the affection and care people impart to their loved ones and the perfunctory treatment received by the deceased and their loved ones among the people in India who are experiencing poverty.

Word Play

Venkatraman engages in symbolic word play beginning with the multiple implications of title of the book. Her word play is often seen in the titles she gives to the various chapters of the novel. For instance, Chapter 1 is titled “Togetherness,” which is ironic in that the two people who daily proclaimed they would remain together perpetually are separated.

Another example is “Candles in the Dark,” Chapter 25, which is a multi-faceted reference. It describes the ceremonial candles Arul and Rukku continue to light. However, the resourceful, hopeful children themselves can be seen as candles in the darkness of the teeming city. It is also a reference to the person who emerges from the darkness of the chapel, Celina Aunty, who illuminates the way to a new life for the children.

Character Development

Chronologically, much of the book takes place in less than two weeks. In that brief period, however, each of the main characters demonstrates growth, new learning, and personal changes. While their fundamental personalities remain intact, the events they experience result in positive growth for each child.

Muthu acquires the ability to trust other children, adults, and even an institution. Like Muthu, Arul becomes able to share the painful story of his earlier life. Arul partners with Viji to care for the subordinate children of the group. He pushes aside his fear of institutions and join the other children in Celina Aunty’s school. He acquires the wisdom and insight necessary to confront Viji successfully when she is unable to shake her remorse over the death of Rukku.

Rukku’s development is most evident, because Viji and others make many comments about it. She stands straighter, laughs easier, and becomes able to impart joy and serenity to the others. Viji records many of her own lessons throughout the narrative. Beyond the survival skills she acquires, she learns to share love for Rukku, allows Rukku to grow, to make truly painful sacrifices, to call out for help when she must have it, and to affirm her own power and intentions. Her final recorded step of growth is to forgive herself for Rukku’s death and recognize that the girls indeed will be together always in spirit.