The Temptations of Two

I believe the theme of "The Temptations of Two" is companionship and the difference between traveling alone and traveling with somebody else. Throughout the story Rogers is constantly comparing the two types of travel. Traveling alone entails self-reliance, determination and hesitation. While traveling with a partner often times leads to more daring adventures, security, and trust, but there are pros and cons to both types of travel. Rogers elaborates on these throughout her different experiences. Rogers writes that the sound of her own voice leads her to irritation, but while traveling alone she is much more unsure of her decisions. Traveling alone allows for somebody to truly become one with nature, but companionship can push boundaries and can create a relationship with somebody that was not thought possible. It allows for you to share your amazing experiences with somebody else, which in the end Rogers comes to realize.

One type of language that Rogers used throughout her story is rhetorical questions. She asks "was this safe to put this in? Why hadn't I asked anyone about Cheviot?" These questions show her hesitation and caution for traveling alone. On the other hand, she questions "what makes me imagine that just because there are two of us this is reasonable?" These questions allow insight into who Rogers is as a person. While constant questioning shows hesitation, she continues to follow through. Showing somebody who thrives off of adrenaline.

My favorite line throughout the entire story was when she was describing the breaking ice. She writes, "it was a near-miraculous sound, eerie and so utterly full of death that it shook me for days." It not only shows the impact it had on Rogers but it made me feel as if I knew exactly what she was talking about, and had experienced the same thing right along sider her. I was also able to connect to this feeling, because growing up coyotes would howl in our backyard, also leaving me feeling eerie and as if I had just heard the sound of death.