Marsh in the story symbolizes livelihood to Tom where he learns to enjoy his life and not to be confined to his house.
Explanation:
"The Deep" by Anthony Doerr is a new short story that has won the prestigious Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Short Story Award on 9, April 2011. The story is set during the times of the Great Depression. It is a story of a young Tom, who at the age of 4, is detected by a terminal sickness "Atrial Septal Defect" or "a hole in the heart." He is prevented from going anywhere outside by his mother. But one day he becomes friend with a young girl named Ruby, who studies with him. She takes him to the marsh where Tom enjoys the adventures with Ruby. He often sneaks out of the home to spend time with her. Marsh in the story symbolizes livelihood to Tom where he learns to enjoy his life and not to be confined to his house.
The 'bright' side of the symbol of the marshy pool which denies the stranger access, bears the meaning of a united family, a well-defended country or a secure village, the still water being the image of a peacefulness which nothing can disturb.
