Survival

Survival is an important theme in the novel “Wreckage” by Emily Bleeker. Survival in the novel consists of endurance through difficult and even life-threatening times. Survival in the novel occurs in three different places: the desert island against nature, in terms of humanity against the worst of human nature, and back in the real world when Dave and Lillian struggle to fit back in.

When it comes to the desert island, Dave, Lillian, and Kent recognize that they have only two choices: live or die. Survival then, realistically, is their only option. They must do whatever it takes to survive. Surviving the plane crash does not guarantee the survivors that they will live. Desperate choices are made on the life raft in order to survive. For example, Lillian must have her shoulder injury stitched up with a needle and thread without any kind of pain medication...