Theme
1. Be Brave When Venturing into the Unknown
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Being brave is one of the key themes in Undertow. There are many instances in the story that this theme could relate to such as Lyric meeting Fathom for the first time, Lyric joining the Alpha in the fight against the Rusalka, and going to school with the Alpha for the first time. The first example of bravery in the story is when Lyric, Bex, Shadow, and the other students at Hyland High School go to class with the Alpha for the first time. This was their first up-close experience with the Alpha, and they did not know what was going to happen. The Alpha could have torn all of them to shreds, yet they still were brave enough to go to class. Another great example of bravery is when Lyric is forced to meet with Fathom on Doyle's behalf in exchange for her family's freedom. This was very brave of her because she needed to be in a room alone with a fish-like person that has “swords” coming out of their arms. She could have easily been killed, but she risked her life for her family’s well being.
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Another main theme that occurs throughout this story is prejudice. Many people in this story are prejudice against the Alpha because they do not know who they are or how their culture works. This is a very pressing issue in society today, and it has been for decades and centuries. Currently, prejudice is an issue regarding homosexuals in today’s society. If people just get to know others the world would be a much better place. For example, in the story, Lyric is forced to become friends with Fathom, but as time goes on she starts to like him more and more. Some could say they became more than friends after they kissed in the classroom. “I open my mouth in surprise and he presses his to mine” (Buckley 254). She begins to learn about their culture and how the Alpha society works, and they become friends. If others were to do this, they might be able to get along and settle the conflict between the Niners and the Alpha.
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2. Do not be prejudiced against people that are not like you
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Be Brave. Illustration. n.d. "Elly Swartz." http://ellyswartz.com. Web. 16 Oct. 2015. <http://ellyswartz.com/writing/be-brave>.
Blinded by Prejudice. Photograph. n.d. "The Nerve Blog." sites.bu.edu. Web. 16 Oct. 2015. <http://sites.bu.edu/ombs/2013/10/16/why-are-people-sexist-racist-and-judgmental-behind-cognitive-bias-and-prejudice/>.