In "The Bookshop" by Penelope Fitzgerald, a vivid scene captures a heron attempting to swallow an eel while in flight. This striking moment illustrates the struggle between the two creatures, as the heron grapples with the eel that desperately tries to escape its grasp. The imagery evokes a feeling of sympathy for both animals, highlighting their desperate situation.

The encounter underscores a central theme of taking on more than one can handle, demonstrating the inherent challenges in nature. The heron's struggle reflects not just a physical challenge but also a metaphor for the difficulties that arise when one is caught between competing desires or forces. This poignant struggle resonates deeply, connecting the reader to the emotional weight of overexertion and the consequences of indecision.