In "The Beautiful Savage" by Philip Pullman, the character Audrey expresses skepticism about Tom Simms and his claims. She humorously suggests that if Simms were involved, he was likely intoxicated, and instead of encountering a mythical mermaid, he might have just been seeing a porpoise. This illustrates her doubt about the fantastical stories people tell and hints at a more grounded perspective. Audrey's reaction indicates a playful yet critical viewpoint towards romanticized narratives. By comparing a mermaid to a porpoise, she emphasizes the tendency of people to exaggerate or misinterpret their experiences. This commentary adds a layer of humor to the narrative while also revealing Audrey's character as someone who values reality over illusion.

In "The Beautiful Savage" by Philip Pullman, the character Audrey expresses skepticism about Tom Simms and his claims. She humorously suggests that if Simms were involved, he was likely intoxicated, and instead of encountering a mythical mermaid, he might have just been seeing a porpoise. This illustrates her doubt about the fantastical stories people tell and hints at a more grounded perspective.

Audrey's reaction indicates a playful yet critical viewpoint towards romanticized narratives. By comparing a mermaid to a porpoise, she emphasizes the tendency of people to exaggerate or misinterpret their experiences. This commentary adds a layer of humor to the narrative while also revealing Audrey's character as someone who values reality over illusion.