Major Themes
Limits of human nature: This theme is established by the unbreakable determination of the three men that attempt the record-setting run. They complete the run by only taking short breaks when they are not rowing and even after flipping their boat they continue. Additionally, their youngest, strongest rower gets hurt in the Crystal Rapid flip and the other two must be the sole rowers for the rest of the trip. They show true human spirit and the fight to succeed.
Nature is precious: This theme comes from a unique way of telling the story by the author. He proves that wild places like the Grand Canyon are as amazing as they are because humans have not built them or done a lot to impact them. The novel, while being a tale about a speed run through the canyon, also manages to call to action all people and their love for the outdoors.
Humans cannot stop nature: The there of the strength of nature is shown by the power of the river. The canyon and the Colorado River are so large and cannot be held by any rules or laws. The Glen Canyon Dam held back a large portion of the Colorado and when a flood cam, the dam nearly was destroyed. This shows the awesome power that nature can have and how no matter what humans do, nature is always stronger.
Nature is precious: This theme comes from a unique way of telling the story by the author. He proves that wild places like the Grand Canyon are as amazing as they are because humans have not built them or done a lot to impact them. The novel, while being a tale about a speed run through the canyon, also manages to call to action all people and their love for the outdoors.
Humans cannot stop nature: The there of the strength of nature is shown by the power of the river. The canyon and the Colorado River are so large and cannot be held by any rules or laws. The Glen Canyon Dam held back a large portion of the Colorado and when a flood cam, the dam nearly was destroyed. This shows the awesome power that nature can have and how no matter what humans do, nature is always stronger.
Nature is precious.
Humans cannot stop nature