The text contains a great deal of evidence to suggest that chance is life’s ruling principle. However, both Garrett and Theresa, as well as the narrator, refer to fate. What evidence exists to suggest that destiny is actually in control of the characters’ lives?

Nicholas Sparks has said that readers are upset with him because of the text’s ending, but he feels Garrett had to die for Theresa to learn that she can always find love again after grief. What is the function of death in the text?

What does the ocean symbolize in the novel? Does its figurative meaning point to any theme(s)?