Life is all about challenges and choices made because of those challenges. The result of this impact lives on for better or for worse. This idea of ​​challenges and choices in life is also shown in literature. “Average Waves in Unprotected Waters” by Anne Tyler and The Jungle by Upton Sinclair have similar messages; however, each story displays these messages using different themes, characterizations, and symbols. The story "Medium Waves in Unprotected Waters" conveys a similar message as The Jungle. The message the authors convey in the stories is that life's challenges create choices for characters that ultimately affect lives. “It was agreed that they should leave the spring flowing…” (Sinclair 26). This shows that Jurgis and his family decided to move to America in the hope of a better lifestyle and leave their homeland in Smolensk. Jurgis was challenged to provide a better life for his future wife Ona and made the final decision to leave his homeland. The choices he made changed Jurgis and this was the first beginning of change. Although Jurgis left his previous home to create a new one, it became much worse than his previous life and later created consequences for him and his family. Similar to Anne Tyler's story, the protagonist, Bet, wanted a better life for herself. “'YES. Say goodbye to Mommy now, Arnold.'” (Tyler 7) This shows the way Bet and Arnold grow apart. Bet makes the final decision to leave her son, Arnold, in the care of others. Messages from each story are conveyed differently and address each character differently Jurgis plans to create a better life with his family, while Bet wants to create a better life by getting rid of her only remaining family center of the card...show these messages using different themes, characterization, and symbols. These similar messages displayed differently help create different ideas and represent the stories differently. "Medium Waves in Unprotected Waters" by Anne Tyler Just." Docstoc.com. Np, nd Web. November 17, 2013. "Sparknotes." Jungle Themes. Np, nd Web. November 17, 2013. "The Symbolism of the Jungle - Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle." Symbolism of the jungle - "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair. Np, nd Web. November 17, 2013. "The House." Shmoop. Np, nd Web. November 17. 2013. .