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Survival Essay

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Survival is being able to endure and live through challenges that may wear you down (mentally or physically), and there are several ways of showing survival. “The Story of Keesh,” by Jack London, depicts survival through a harsh setting. “The Five People You Meet In Heaven,” by Mitch Albom, depicts survival through character development. In sum, the idea of survival is shown in literature through these two different ways.

The idea of survival is conveyed through the setting in “The Story of Keesh.” Survival is shown, as the story takes place in a freezing and sub-zero environment. According to the excerpt, “The Story of Keesh,” it states, “And the winter darkness, when the north gales make their long sweep …show more content…

In his eagerness he came to close grapples with the bear, and his bones were crushed; but the bear had much meat on him and the people were saved.” This shows that due to the setting people had to resort to facing off intimidating polar bears, in a pursuit of food. In most situations, (for example: Keesh’s father) people had died or ended up seriously injured from just trying to get some food to eat! Throughout this excerpt, Keesh and the villagers have to survive the harsh conditions of the arctic, hunger, and terrifying predators.

The idea of survival is conveyed through character development in “The Five People You Meet In Heaven.” Survival is shown during the war, as Eddie has to go through fight after fight. According to the book, “The Five People You Meet In Heaven,” it states, “He learned the nervous cheer of a soldier’s first survived combat, when the men slap each other and smile as if it’s over - We can go home now! - and he learned the sinking depression of a soldier’s combat, when he realizes the fighting does not stop at one battle, there is more and more after that...” This shows that Eddie has to continue to endure all the battles, although he wants to go home. Since the war isn’t over, Eddie has to continue fighting in the war, and he has to continue to go through different problems of the war. Fighting and surviving in a war isn’t easy for him, as there’s an opposing side trying

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