In Wallace Stegner's "Crossing to Safety," the concept of survival is explored as a multifaceted experience. It can occur by chance, as victims navigate through life's challenges and uncertainties. At times, survival depends on external factors, influenced by forces or beings beyond our understanding, which can shape our fates.

Stegner emphasizes that survival is not a permanent state; it is fleeting and can change in an instant. This idea reflects life's inherent unpredictability and the resilience required to face various circumstances. Ultimately, the narrative invites readers to contemplate the complexities of existence and the precarious nature of being alive.