Throughout How High We Go in the Dark, humanity faces increasingly difficult and disastrous circumstances. Global warming leads to the release of an ancient, alien plague; the plague results in isolation and increased death rates, which in turn impacts economic development and causes the rise of a funerary-based culture. However, despite the many problems, humanity continues to search for solutions and ways to ensure the continuation of the species. The novel’s long timeline allows the author to explore the power of perseverance, promoting an improved understanding of exactly what it takes to be alive.

The clearest way in which human perseverance is evident in the story is through the efforts to stave off and cure the Artic plague. The trials begin before the plague has even become widespread, as Cliff and his fellow scientists do everything in their power to prevent the plague from spreading. These are the first to sacrifice themselves in an effort to save the broader human race, pushing through their difficulties and isolation to protect others. The narrative describes subsequent characters adapting to their new life and prolonging humanity. David continues growing artificial organs to save others even after his son’s death;

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