In this excerpt from Lewis Carroll's works, the character's mood and confidence are depicted as dependent on their environment. When the "sands are all dry," implying calm or safe conditions, he is cheerful and outspoken, even speaking disdainfully of the Shark. However, when danger or threat is present, represented by the rising tide and the sharks, his demeanor shifts to one of fear and submissiveness.
"When the sands are all dry, he is gay as a lark, And will talk in contemptuous tones of the Shark: But, when the tide rises and sharks are around, His voice has a timid and tremulous sound."