In "The Mermaid Chair," the narrator describes a transformative experience where mermaids symbolize both solace and liberation during a crucial time in her life. She embraces the unexpected by diving into the water, shedding the constraints of societal norms and personal expectations. This act of diving is portrayed as a necessary journey, marked by a sense of urgency and purpose.

The narrator reveals the powerful imagery of being caught by unseen forces that guide her deeper into the water, suggesting a release from her burdens. Instead of returning to the surface immediately, she is taken to the depths before being brought back up, indicating a profound exploration of her emotions and identity. This duality of descent and ascent highlights the complexities of self-discovery and healing.