“Between a Rock and a Hard Place”

Analysis written by Ezrielle Kylee Arango (WORD COUNT: 1,006 words)

To be stuck between two choices that equal some sort of sacrifice; in which, you
have nowhere to run or call for help is and will always be inevitable.

Naturally, you may feel fear, anxiety, or anguish, but through determination: you can
overcome these obstacles. This is the lesson Aron Ralston conveys through his
autobiography: “Between a Rock and a Hard Place” wherein, he finds himself
sandwiched in the Blue John Canyon sometime in 2003. Through the use of
literature, he turns this traumatic experience into one that inspires many; showcasing
his bravery and courage to overcome challenges.

The use of idiom in the title: “Between a rock and a hard place” already suggests the
premise of the story; wherein, you are stuck between two equally difficult choices.
The title, itself, foreshadows the upcoming events that lie ahead, asserting each part
to be challenging and full of struggles.

Starting the extract with a sudden yet mysterious short statement, “I came to another
drop-off.” already induces curiosity, encouraging the reader to know more about his
narrative. The dramatic effect this short sentence creates is significant for it depicts a
detached tone and no signs of emotions, though the situation seems to be scary.
The inclusion of informative terminology allows the reader to realize Ralston’s
expertise and that he has the same experience through the word “another.”

The writer carefully assesses every corner of the surroundings he’s in, by exploring
mathematical descriptions, “three feet… continues at that width for fifty feet..”, which
gives the reader a clear vision of his environment and physical position, a clear
indication that he knows what he is doing and being very careful. His credibility is
further strengthened by the use of an informative structure that hints of adept
knowledge serving its purpose as he starts providing measurements that
demonstrate the steepness of the downward slope and estimate the height of the
rock he must descend “maybe eleven or twelve feet high.” In addition, his calm
demeanor provides a sense of comfort that proves his rational thinking skills and
understanding. These claims are further demonstrated through his use of jargon in
“chockstone,” emphasizing his professionalism, complimented by the lengthy yet
understandable clarifications of his techniques, explained as “…stemming or
chimneying.” His intelligence, backed up by his speech and attention to detail,
reassures the reader of his proficiency, advocating their trust and understanding.

Aron’s choice to write in the present tense makes the scenes seem to unfold in real
time. This builds tension throughout the anthology carrying a sense of immediacy
that raises the reader’s awareness of the difficulties he faces. It further involves the
reader to feel what is happening, adding excitement and apprehension as to what
happens next. His adventurous spirit and extensive knowledge of rock climbing are
eminent as he describes in great detail the rock he is about to descend, emphasizing
how it differs from one he climbed just ten minutes prior; metaphorically
communicating the size and weight of the “refrigerator chockstone” helps the reader
visualize and grasp an experience unknown to them. Further implies how tight the
space he is in through alliteration in “wedged between the walls” to draw the reader’s
interest and concern.

Sense of fear is magnified and enhanced as Arin expresses the “claustrophobic feel
of a short tunnel” that foreshadows the event that is about to take place. The
adjective “claustrophobic” generates suspense and makes the reader quite nervous
about the situation Ralston is currently facing. The choice of words he employs
consistently to depict how narrow and small the space is with “slot” and “narrows…
three feet across” shares a worrying sense of being trapped and enhances the
danger as he repeatedly describes the “drop-off.”

The second paragraph moves away from the initial paragraphs’ subject matter and
instead explains technical details to demonstrate the writer’s expertise as it begins
with the sentence, “Sometimes in narrow passages like this one.” this foreshadows
that the later accident may be unavoidable and the author’s way of bridging the gap,
while also suggesting uncertainty whether his actions will be effective in this
particular instance. Moreover, the author’s exploration of positive language to
describe the possibilities that he intends to do insinuates his skills and ability. The
tone is informative yet conversational as if the author is talking directly to the reader,
creating a closer connection with the purpose of explaining the contexts of what is
happening. The author even uses the second person “you” to directly involve the
reader in the discussion.

The colloquial analogy when likening the size of the chockstone to 'the size of a large
bus tire' helps readers understand its enormity. This implicit metaphor compares the
boulder to everyday objects, allowing readers to visualize its size. The author's
change in tone through the conditional and dependent clause, "If I can step onto it,"
creates uncertainty about the outcome as Aaron navigates his next steps. This
uncertainty builds suspense and makes readers nervous for him. However, the
detailed explanations of his actions suggest that he is in control, taking time to
assess the situation and make informed decisions. Aron continuous to present a very
precarious situation as he says 'I'll dangle off the chockstone' showing that he isn't
supported at all, highlighting with an alliteration in 'rounded rocks' generating a sense
of bulginess but also semantically conveys that he can't stand there, and there are a
lot of rocks beneath him, making it more dangerous.

Aron’s active transitioning with the phrase “Stemming across the Canyon,” creates a
sense of movement that fastens the narrative’s pace, supported by the constant use
of verbs that further emphasize his rapid motions, building dread and panic within the
reader’s emotions. Utilizing the adjective, “transverse”, connoting hard work, which
hastens the flow of the narrative even more.

The dramatic uncertainty that arrives with the sentences: “I lower myself from the
chimneying position and step onto the chockstone. It supports me but teeters
slightly” contributes to the growing dread the reader feels as they continue. The
lasting fear is relieved by the mention of “support”, however, is swiftly contrasted with
“but”, reminding the reader of the current danger he is still stuck in. Further, the verb
“teeters” is described to display how the chockstone moves under his weight;
allowing for theatrical effects and suggesting that time is slowing down, a forebode
that implies danger.

The writer includes the non-experts by using a simple simile to describe his descent,
“akin to climbing down the roof of a house”, so the reader could acknowledge the
prospect of danger. The potential hazard is highlighted by the extreme carefulness of
the climber; suggested by the slow-paced writing, which provokes the reader’s worry
even more, as his actions require more risk and danger.

With the sudden sentence, “As I dangle…”, the tension heightens significantly. By
putting the reader into a visual of near death, a sense of horror is uplifted, further
increased by the assonance “scraping quake” which imitates the sound of an echo,
creating an ominous feeling that enhances the noise and movement of the stone,
picking up the pace of narration to add thrill and suspense throughout the story. A
rush of unease seems to unwind as the following sentence; “Instantly, I know this is
trouble…” is stated. The direct admission of his situation adds to the panic of the
reader, for their worries and anxiety are proven to be true. His instinctive reaction to
“…let go” provides a pinch of relief, though, it highlights the immense harm that
could’ve been inflicted on him; as the climber couldn't even think before his close
encounter with death. The terrifying visual of death is further inflated by the
hyperbole to symbolize it;“…The backlit chockstone falling towards my head
consumes the sky”, exaggerating the size of the boulder to receive fear; illustrating a
horrendous environment that surrounds with threats, portraying how quickly he
moves when he says “Fear shoots my hands over my head.”

As time seems to slow down, as evident in his statement; “The next three seconds…
Time dilates…” the reader is presented with the climber’s thoughts and feelings, and
the added notation of time gives a dramatic feel that helps convey horror. This terror
is fully enhanced with the alliteration of “Dilates… decelerate”. The sudden shift in
narration— from a fast to a slow-paced structure adds to the uncanny emotion the
reader feels. The panic only escalates as Aron uses enjambment, layering actions
on top of one another by using multiple variations of punctuation to deepen the
reader’s worry. Moreover, the strong verbs that contrast each other; “yank”,
“crushes”, and “ensnares” emphasize the fatal forc the rock had given when it falls
on the climber.

While the dramatic movement may cause confusion, the powerful verbs used hit a
strong emotional chord with the reader. This reinforces the idea that the protagonist
is both wounded and trapped by the falling rocks, making him even more helpless,
especially with the use of the word "ensnares." The following part describes his
trapped arm in short phrases, highlighting the severity of the accident. The gruesome
details of his injured arm create a moment of disbelief and agony. The sentence
'Then silence’ concludes the sixth paragraph, signaling the end of the action and
prompting the reader to reflect on what just happened.
As the story transcends towards its end, the author reveals the aftermath of the
story’s climax, interpreting his inner thoughts to truly express the pain and fear he
experienced. The long descriptions of injury build a sense of momentum that leaves
the reader uneasy, with the gruesome vision of his hand being crushed “between the
fallen boulder and the canyon wall,” spiking a feeling of concern. Moreover, the use
of first person further involves the reader, as if they were experiencing it themselves.
It foreshadows a dramatic flair which heightens the emotions of readers, bringing an
image of anguish and confusion as he continues. The actual seriousness of the
situation being undermined with the alliteration in the phrase “Good God, my hand”
shows that he is still in a short state of shock: with the calculating observations and
techniques no longer being mentioned, creating a sense of confusion and anxiety in
the reader, further enhanced by the alliteration of the verbs in “I grimaced and
growled” that suggests an almost animal-like response to express his extreme pain.
Eventually, he wills himself to struggle, to stay intact, to live. His ambition to survive
is highlighted in the thought, “Get your hand out of there!” as emphasised in the
exclamation mark at the end, providing an insight of the climber’s mindset,
motivating himself to overcome and survive the challenging situation he is in; which
adds to the reader’s admiration for his drive. However, these feats are immediately
dismissed; as he mentions, his “naive attempt” to pull out was futile, creating a
negative atmosphere that hints at hopelessness. The blunt short statement that ends
the paragraph, “But I am stuck” highlights the predicament he finds himself in, setting
an impact and sudden pause, not knowing what happens next.

The intensity only increases as the piece progresses. The repeated use of short
sentences, creating a fast paced narration only fuels into the reader’s worry. With the
added mention of “Anxiety” only worsens those feelings, as even he, an experienced
climber, is unable to find a solution. In a desperate situation, the author uses ellipsis
to display his isolation; alone with no one to help. His thoughts led to a story, “An
adrenaline-stroked mom lifts an overturned car to free her baby” in mention of this,
it’s clear that the story relates with his situation— and despite how unrealistic it was,
it gave him enough hope to try. Stressing how alone he feels, knowing that he has
no one to call on for help, the author encourages himself through the use of direct
speech as he commands himself; “Come on… move!” Emphasising his desperation
with the exclamation mark.

The story abruptly stops at a cliffhanger, ending with a single word: “Nothing.”
Suddenly cutting off the suspense leaves a sense of mystery that strikes curiosity
and distress in the reader. Despite the many unanswered questions, the message is
clear: Sacrifices and determination are keys to overcome the difficult obstacles
ahead—although the outcome of the story is uncertain, the climber’s motivation and
effort to survive symbolises how far it can get you.