Crabs Dig Holes According To The Size Of Their Shells Analysis

“Crabs Dig Holes According to the Size of Their Shells” Have you ever wondered how many people don’t reach goals or dreams due to their mindset? The answer is more than you ever imagined. The most human ability is the capability to recognize one’s limits and exceed them. The essay “Crabs Dig Holes According to the Size of Their Shells” will showcase how someone has recognized limitations but does nothing to go beyond them. McPherson’s main message in “Crabs Dig Holes.” is that people will only ever be what they limit themselves to. First, McPherson, the narrator, believes he lives a life where peace is denied. This is shown in the book's last sentence, “Something was denying me peace because I had denied its range and meaning.” (9) This means somewhere in his life something …show more content…

In addition, the narrator confirms he is secluded from the outside world. “Besides, my own world, in those days, extended only as far as the mailbox beside my front door.” This tells us that he doesn’t exit his house often to socialize or do normal human activities. This type of seclusion can lead to being close-minded and viewed as a sign of mental illness. Both were viewed negatively and used as excuses. Not to mention, just going out can teach, even if it's observing people or gaining life experience (lessons). Both can add to your wisdom which some view as success. Moreover, the narrator has trouble accepting the lifeline given to him. An example is “...there are several other values encased in this call. There was frugality, wariness, and also compassion” (6-7) referring to a phone call his neighbor, Howard Morton, left him. A call that was forwarded due to his and his wife’s concern for the narrator. Another helping hand was offered by two men in a truck. He gave these offers no thought until later, when the narrator states "This something owed is impersonal, no more than a simple expression of good manners” and “It is an