The Value of Life

By using nature and the extreme circumstance of being lost in an unforgiving wasteland, the novel claims early on that life is something to be treasured and defended at all costs. This is most clearly displayed in Ben’s undying devotion to protect Ashley Knox. She becomes quintessential life when she breaks her leg in the crash. She only exists and cannot help Ben in any way other than morale. Ben does not protect her life because it necessarily benefits him but, rather, because it is something that is always worth saving. Several times, especially towards the end of the book as their situation worsens, Ashley tells Ben to leave her behind. Ben consistently refuses. He does not want to have to think about her every day afterward if she did survive. With this, the novel argues that a life lost does not...