In Margaret Atwood's "Surfacing," the protagonist expresses a deeper fear of the unknown, symbolized by doors that obscure what lies on the other side. This fear highlights the uncertainty that can accompany new experiences and unexpected changes in life. The notion of doors represents barriers to understanding and the anxiety that arises when faced with the unpredictable.
The unsettling imagery of doors opening by themselves adds to the protagonist's sense of vulnerability. It evokes a feeling of being confronted with surprises that one may not be prepared for, emphasizing the struggle between the desire for discovery and the apprehension of what might be revealed. This duality illustrates a complex relationship with bravery and fear in navigating life's uncertainties.