The American Heritage Dictionary defines denial as; an unconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings. All three of the main phrases of this definition of denial are constantly seen throughout the novel In the Lake of the Woods. "Painful realities, thoughts, or feelings", "refusal to acknowledge", and "defense mechanism" all pertain directly to the main character of the novel, as well as the way the book is written. For …showed first 75 words of 1268 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1268 total…it so interesting. Although the book can be read in many different ways, and has many different themes, I believe the main theme to be denial In once sentence, the theme of the novel can be summed up; "An unconscious defense mechanism characterized by refusal to acknowledge painful realities, thoughts, or feelings." This definition of denial by the American Heritage Dictionary illustrates perfectly why denial is the theme of In the Lake of the Woods.