In Alice Munro's "Runaway," Carla finds herself making foolish decisions as she attempts to transform her surroundings. Her actions stem from a deep sense of humiliation and fear that she experiences in her life. This sense of escapism drives her to engage in conversations and activities that she later perceives as unwise, revealing her inner turmoil.

The narrative highlights Carla's struggle between wanting to escape her painful emotions and the realization that her attempts to change her circumstances may not be as effective as she hopes. This conflict illustrates the complexities of her character and the challenges individuals face when navigating feelings of fear and vulnerability.