The Truth About Sharks, By Joan Bauer

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. The protagonist, 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 virtuous to Madge P. Groton. Therefore, having her rights received and

Beth was the strongest individual she was throughout the story. Beth learned that her voice can be heard, and can be very demanding. She can be someone in this world, that will be listened to, not battered down by others. In the text it states “The officer gave me back my purse,coat “You’re free to go”, he said “Just give the store back the pants” (42). Beth got her belongings back from the cop and the cop seemed to respect Beth and because of her strength. Beth stomped over Madge. P. Groton and the security and became independent and insistent. Beth had a demanding voice, towering over the area. The author wrote “ I’d been publicly humiliated. Falsely accused. I have my rights! I rammed Mom’s car around and headed back for Mitchell Gail’s” (43) Beth knew she had rights and she had justice from her perseverance. Beth dramatically changed and became an independent woman, who does not take no for an answer. Beth went back into the store, demanding for the manager. An example is “I was falsely arrested in this store by Madge P. Groton, security witch, and in exactly two seconds I’m going to call a very large lawyer” (44) Beth was not taking no for an answer. They said she couldn’t talk to the manager about the accusation. Beth was ambitious and she went into the store like she was the boss. Beth technically was the boss now, and she will be forever

Beth clearly knows how to demonstrate this into her journey to become more assertive. At first, Beth was weak and depended on others. Her thinking of the world would soon change and her reasoning with situations were hesitant. Next, Beth was processing her actions and becoming stronger and more independent. Finally, Beth was at the peak of her independence and her perseverance and this showed brightly through her actions. Beth is a dynamic character that changes drastically throughout the course of the story. Never remain silent, be strong and let your voice be heard. Don’t be the one guilty of complicity and wrongdoing. Be the “spark for others”, show people you can be listened to. Beth fought strongly for her rights and anyone could be this independent girl that has the right to preserve. The long path was made by closure and dependence, but has now sprung open and became a free path of independence and perseverance, by morals like