Salt to the Sea

Salt to the Sea

by

Ruta Sepetys

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Salt to the Sea: 59. Joana Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
It takes several hours for the group to cross the ice. Once on land again, Joana lashes out at Florian. She argues that, if not for him, she could have saved Ingrid. He argues that she would have died from the shock of the icy water, even if she could be pulled out.
Joana ones again must deal with survivor’s guilt which stems from the fact that she lived while Ingrid died. Florian argues that she should be happy that she’s alive, since she likely would have been unable to save Ingrid and, had she gotten closer to the hole in the ice, both women would have died.
Themes
Memory and Survival  Theme Icon
Family and Community vs. Selfishness  Theme Icon
The Poet stops the arguing by saying that Florian saved Joana, and also Emilia, who had begun to scramble towards Ingrid as well. Eva, meanwhile, was the only one who made no effort to save anyone.
All the refugees, Florian included, care about each other’s wellbeing. Eva, however, remains selfish, caring only about her own survival. 
Themes
Family and Community vs. Selfishness  Theme Icon