What are the motifs in Exodus by Leon Uris?

Exodus is filled with duty. It underlies much of the pain of separation, is inspired on the Jewish side largely by memory and creates several moral battles. The British, charged by the League of Nations after World War I to rule Palestine and Mesopotamia, feel duty bound to look after the best interests of their Empire over the rights and aspirations of the people they rule. Above all, they must keep control of the Suez Canal in order to keep control of India, which means placating the Arabs, who are outraged by the Jewish immigration. Oil is a growing consideration, also making them lean towards the Arabs.