Innocence In Joan Bauer's 'The Truth About Sharks'

“No man knows the value of innocence and integrity but he who has lost them.” This compelling quote from William Godwin shows the importance of integrity, guilt, and most importantly, innocence. Innocence, is the exact opposite of guilt, wrong, sin, and disgrace. Joan Bauer is the author of the extraordinary short story, “The Truth About Sharks.” This realistic fiction short story has a shocking ending where the main protagonist, Beth changes her point of view about guilt and innocence. One sunny day, a young girl by the name of Beth traveled one day to “Mitchell Gail’s,” which is her “go to” store. Beth needs to purchase clothes for her Uncle Al’s birthday party. As she browses through clothes she meets a friendly employee whose name is Hannah. Hannah offers hold on to Beth’s belongings while she goes into the changing room to try on clothes. As soon as she steps out of the changing room, she is caught by Madge P. Groton who is the head security guard of the store. Madge accuses Beth of shoplifting, but in reality Beth hasn’t stolen anything. Beth begins to feel hopeless as she is escorted to the main security office within the store. When a police officer arrives to the store, Beth is put into custody and sits in the back of the officer’s squad car. Beth is able to convince the police officer to take her into the store to prove she is innocent. Once Hannah tells the police officer what “really” happened, Beth is let off the hook and she is proven to be innocent. Beth is