The Barren Grounds

There are three different bridges that Morgan must cross in Misewa, all of which symbolize facing one’s fear and crossing over to the other side as a better person. The first is the tree bridge to get to Ochek’s trapline. This is Morgan’s first real test in Misewa, and she must learn to take the bridge one step at a time. To motivate and distract herself, Morgan focuses on Eli; it’s only when she takes her eyes off him that she loses her balance. This implies that Morgan must keep her eyes on those she loves to find out who she is. At this point, Morgan doesn’t know who she is, and as she tries to cross, she slips and almost falls into the canyon. Eli comes to save her, and she must accept Eli’s help to make the crossing.

Morgan next crosses the ice bridge on her journey to the Green Time. This time, Morgan wants to cross so she can help Ochek and Arik. As she stands on the precipice, she turns to Eli and says, “Nobody would blame us if we just turned around and decided to, like, live, you know” (147).