Question

[EVALUATE] Throughout the story, Tom Struggles with the fear that he will die young. How does Tom resolve this conflict at the end of the story? Do you find this resolution effective? Explain.

(NOTE) You must have read "The Deep" Short Story by Anthony Doerr in order to answer this question.

Answer 1

In the story, Tom has a heart condition that indicates he will not live long. Doctors predict he would live sixteen or eighteen years. This causes him to live a life that is not worth living, due to the overly protective approach of his mother. He has little interaction with his peers and does little besides schoolwork. This changes when he meets Ruby. She gives him the chance to experience life more fully, and Tom has to make the choice between living a long, boring life, or living life to the fullest, even if he dies young.

At the end of the story, Tom decides to live a dull, boring life for as long as possible. He stops seeing Ruby, or doing anything exciting. She moves on with her life. His resolution is based on fear, and we know this because he reunites with Ruby one day. Upon meeting her, we get the feeling that Tom regrets his choice. Therefore, the resolution is not effective for him, as he has failed to understand what the meaning of life is for him. He has also stopped himself from pursuing what would have made him truly happy. However, the resolution is effective from the point of view of the narrative, as it reminds us of the importance of finding meaning in life.

Answer 2

Living with the fear that he will die young, Tom resolves to live a long life rather than a short life that is worth living. In the end, he does not find this resolution effective. After being overprotected by his mother, Tom sneaks out with Ruby, who shows him how interesting and fascinating life can be. However, when he passes the age at which he is supposed to die, he gets a job, loses touch with Ruby and lives a dull life again. Finally, he meets Ruby again, who has moved on and started a family, and he regrets not choosing to live a joyful life with her.