The concept of the "boiled frog" analogy illustrates how gradual change can go unnoticed until it becomes detrimental. In boiling water, a frog instinctively recognizes the danger and escapes, but in tepid water that gets warmer over time, it remains oblivious to the increasing threat until it is too late. This reflects how people may become complacent in slowly escalating situations that could lead to negative outcomes.

In Stephenie Meyer's "The Host," this metaphor suggests that when faced with gradual shifts, whether in personal life or society, one must remain vigilant to avoid complacency. The danger often lies not in sudden changes, but in the subtle progression that can lull individuals into a false sense of security, ultimately leading to adverse consequences.