This entire scene with descriptions of how the water is moving and how Miles got sick creates tension and makes us feel as if something really bad is going to happen, but we don't know what. (later our fears are conformed) The way "Past the Shallows" made me see the world differently (in a writing context) in that death in a story, whether that is a book, film, game or song is not always the most significant experience of the story. Other experiences that can be unrelated to death or the build up to the death can be more significant to the audience then the loss of a character. (even a very significant one like Harry) This novel also makes me see the world differently in a real world context. It makes me think that I need to trust my gut instincts and get out of a situation if I feel it will turn ugly, like the audience does in this scene, (with the build up to Harry's death) and like Miles does metaphorically. (by him getting sea sick) This scene doesn't challenge assumptions and it didn't need to, this scene is a build up to Harry's death. Its very purpose is to make us feel anxious buy describing how the water moves and by Miles getting Sick and acting as a metaphor for how the audience is supposed to feel towards the situation. the only way this book could "challenge assumptions" is by cutting out this entire scene and just having the Dad throw Harry overboard without warning. I feel this would have hurt the story and the quality of writing.