In "The Leap" by Louise Erdrich, survival is a central theme, explored through the actions and decisions of the narrator's mother, a former trapeze artist. The story highlights how survival often hinges on the ability to use reason and maintain presence of mind in the face of danger. Through various life-threatening situations, the mother demonstrates resilience and quick-thinking, emphasizing the importance of rationality over instinctual reactions.

The mother's survival during a trapeze accident illustrates the theme of survival through reason. When lightning strikes the tent pole, she chooses not to grasp her husband's ankle as they fall, which would have led to both their deaths. Instead, she removes her blindfold and twists her body to grab a hot, braided wire, saving herself. This decision reflects her ability to suppress emotional impulses in favor of logical actions, ensuring her survival. As Erdrich writes,

My mother once said that I'd be amazed at how many things a person can do within the act of falling... When her hands did not meet her husband's, my mother tore her blindfold away... Instead, she changed direction. Her body twisted toward a heavy wire and she managed to hang on to the braided metal, still hot from the lightning strike.

The mother's rescue of her daughter from a burning house further underscores the theme. Despite the imminent danger, she uses her trapeze skills to climb a tree and enter her daughter's room through a window. Her calm demeanor reassures her child, demonstrating how presence of mind can overcome fear and chaos. This act of bravery shows that survival can also require selflessness and courage, as she risks her life to save her daughter.

Survival in the story is not just physical but also emotional. The narrator's mother adapts to her blindness with carefulness and precision, moving through her home without mishaps. Her ability to live "comfortably in extreme elements" shows how she has internalized the constant threat of danger and learned to navigate it with grace. As the narrator observes,

It seems incredible that she would work high above the ground when any fall could be so dangerous, but the explanation—I know from watching her go blind—is that my mother lives comfortably in extreme elements.

The theme of survival in "The Leap" extends beyond individual actions to encompass familial bonds and community. The narrator returns home to care for her now-blind mother, illustrating that survival is not solely about individualism but also about mutual support and interdependence. This reflects Erdrich's view that survival is a collective effort, relying on the strength and sacrifices of loved ones.