In "Below the Surface," Carter advocates for embracing life's adventures rather than letting safety become an all-consuming obsession.
PART 2: Clarify which literary element(s) the author uses to convey this message.
This theme of choosing courage over safety unfolds through the protagonist's dual transformation: first, as she confronts her fear of deep water, and then as she opens her heart to new relationships despite past heartbreaks.
PART 3: Discuss the significance of the author's message. Why is it an important message to communicate?
Carter's insight that true fulfillment lies beyond our protective walls highlights the downside of self-preservation. While self-preservation is instinctive, an excessive focus on safety can lead to a life half-lived, stripped of the very experiences that make it meaningful. By choosing security over risk, we may shield ourselves from potential harm, but we also deny ourselves opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
