Search results
“On the Bridge” begins with a bang, with Adam bragging about a fight with an older boy without explicit provocation. In his tale of his own strength, rebellion, and outsider status, Adam asserts a shallow understanding of masculinity.
Exploring the themes of social belonging, authenticity, masculine insecurity, and dishonesty, "On the Bridge" illustrates the consequences of masculine insecurity, pathological lying, and the hollowness of trying to appear cool.
- Todd Strasser
Rather than ignore the cigarette that hits the car’s windshield, they confront the younger, smaller boys and assault them. In their minds, men do not tolerate disrespect and must use violence to assert their dominance. A summary of Themes in Todd Strasser's On the Bridge.
Dishonesty (Pathological Lying) By the end of "On the Bridge," it is clear to Seth and the reader that Adam cultivates his cool-guy persona through dishonesty. While Seth initially believes Adam to be authentic in his claims of physical strength, rebelliousness, and confidence with older girls, Adam's overly detailed lies about why he couldn't ...
- Todd Strasser
Strasser also explores the themes of dishonesty, authenticity, and social belonging through his comparison of the boys’ jackets. While Adam’s leather jacket looks authentically worn-in, the once-rigid material full of creases, Seth’s denim jacket appears new even after Seth tries to distress it.
- Todd Strasser
The bridge on which the two main characters stand has two chief symbolic meanings. First, it represents Adam’s attitude of superiority. Just as the bridge spans and stares down at the highway, Adam feels himself to be above other people, especially Seth.
People also ask
What is the theme of on the bridge?
What is a good summary of on the bridge?
How does Strasser portray masculine insecurity in on the bridge?
What is the plot of on the bridge by Todd Strasser?
How does Adam start on the bridge?
What is the conflict between Seth and Adam in on the bridge?
A view from the bridge setting offers an opportunity to see how important loyalty can be in certain communities. Miller uses several references to Manhattan in the 1950s and the Italian community to set us in time and place.
