"The romance meant here springs from the medieval European tale marvelous heroic deeds filled with mysterious or even supernatural occurrences." (Antczak, 5) This reference to mythology introduces the pattern of a quest inherent to science fiction as well. The adventure, or quest, in "Oceans Are Wide" is one where Matty, our frail but strong-willed hero, must take leadership of a colonization ship transporting the remaining human race to a new planet. Once there, he must lead the people to rebuild civilization. .
Antczak also mentions the element of a summons to perform the quest. In this case, Matty is compelled with the truth given him by John Smith immediately after Matty's father dies and there is an attempt on Matty's life, since he is the heir to the Director's chair. Smith goes on to inform Matty that he must hide until his eighteenth birthday, when he must assume the role of Director. This setting gives the author room to develop Matty into a strong leader before the goal of colonization is realized. .
During this time of growth, other facets of Antczak's analysis come to light. She cites a struggle must be conducted. There are minor struggles evident, but most importantly there is one between Matty and the people who are trying to deny him of Director status and one inside Matty as he learns more about himself. Reba and Jeremiah vie to expose Matty from hiding by sentencing his former nurse to death. Matty is powerless to prevent this and is reminded by Smith that his one goal is to become Director and nothing can compromise this. Matty must fight with his inner emotions and overcome his mistrust of Smith's words before Jeremiah takes his rightful seat. He expertly completes this mission and takes over as Director, but this will not be his last struggle.
Antczak asserts that "an author's creativity in this genre is seen in the development and description of the wonders of the universe.