"The Temptations of Two" Reflection

In Susan Fox Rogers' essay, she employs themes of danger, individuality, and exploring outside of your comfort zone. Throughout the essay she uses themes of two vs. one to illustrate one's comfort zone. As she explores with Emily, she is forced out of her comfort zone because there is so much possibility and opportunity when you go with someone else. Although at first glance it may seem safer to adventure with another person, Rogers argues that "the temptation of two was dismantling my edifice of one. For so long the pleasure of one was not just enough, but perfect, and now, so quick, I had been swept away by the adventurous possibility of two" (167). In this passage, her language is effective because she compares her individuality with her relationship with Emily. Through this juxtaposition, she conveys that going with another person actually causes you to step outside of your comfort zone more. Rogers also uses the theme of love to show the bigger picture when you step outside of your comfort zone. She writes, "Hot or cold, the result is the same: an excitement that tastes of fear. Here, though, the word that comes to mind is love." Through her language, Rogers shows that love is the primary emotion behind the adrenaline rush she receives when she goes on these adventures. And that's why going with two people is more thrilling; with two people, there is more love to share.