In Joyce Carol Oates' book "Carthage," the author explores the intricacies of human emotion, particularly the deep-seated fears that can shape our lives. The phrase "a fear of the unknown" captures a fundamental anxiety people experience, as uncertainty can often lead to feelings of helplessness and dread. This fear is not just about what we don’t understand; it can also be connected to a fear of the known, where familiar situations or truths evoke anxiety due to their potential consequences.

Oates emphasizes the complexity of how we navigate both the familiar and the unfamiliar. As she delves into these themes, readers are prompted to reflect on the psychological burdens that accompany such fears. This contemplation reveals how both types of fear can inhibit personal growth and influence relationships, ultimately creating a rich narrative about the human condition and the interplay between knowledge and ignorance.