Breathing Underwater

The theme of fantasy, or fiction, versus reality, or truth, is significant in the novel because we see how Nick establishes these clear binaries throughout every aspect of his life. His life at home is the truth, but no one can know, so he puts on a mask and lives in the fiction of his school life with Tom and his friends. When Tom asks about his father, Nicks spins a fictional tale about his father being busy with work, which, although it may be true, is not the whole truth. When Nick feels stressed or afraid, he seeks refuge in a fantasy in which he is more like Tom, with Tom’s family, Tom’s dog, and Tom’s football skills. Eventually, Mario teaches Nick that creating and believing a fantasy can be positive once you understand why you need one and you have confronted the truth. Nick’s escapism becomes a coping mechanism for dealing with his father and his struggle to control his own emotions.

Therefore, it is surprising and meaningful that Nick, knowing that the judge or Mario can read his journal despite their promise not to, immediately declares that he has decided to write his truth in it.