The Truth About Sharks: Guilty Of Survival

Albert Einstein once assured, “If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity” Never remain silent, never become guilty of something you have never done. In effect, this shows how you have to stand up taller when knocked down. Become yourself and feel the power you can demand.
Joan Bauer’s realistic fiction novel, The Truth About Sharks, introduces us to such a character. Beth needed an outfit for a party later that evening. Beth went to a local store and starting trying on a dress. Madge P. Groton, the security guard, accused Beth of shoplifting. Beth knew she was innocent and wanted justice. Beth was exercising her rights and proved she was innocent to Madge P. Groton. Beth, having her rights received and her apology from the store
Beth forcefully was trying to get free, she knew her loss of freedom was inevitable. Beth knew she was innocent, but the security guard wasn't having it. The text explicitly states “Ma’am, I know you’re trying to do your job. Just Listen to me. I was going to buy these pants” (37). Beth was not shoplifting, she quotes that the pants were going to get purchased. Beth and security guard clearly have a dilemma. Beth is getting stronger every single moment she has with this problem. Beth looks back to the past to try and find a solution. An example of this is “ I remembered that article, I’d read about sharks. If you're swimming in the ocean and a shark comes at you to attack, hit him in the nose, the expert said” (37). Beth was referring to Madge P. Groton, the security guard as the shark and this is when Beth really was weighing her options. At this moment, Beth feels like she is strong and forceful, but in reality Madge P. Groton won’t let Beth succeed. Beth was getting stronger and she was standing up for her rights. The author wrote “No, Ma’am. Not until I get my pants back.” She leaned toward me; her face was tight and mean. “You do what I tell you.” I took a huge breath and looked at her hard. “No Ma’am” (38). Beth forcefully said no to Madge and Madge was not expecting that. Madge always has that grim look to her and Beth was very strong in this situation. This was the start of a new beginning for