What is the theme in Slake's Limbo by Felice Holman?

Humanity is another theme in the story. Slake has a problem with humanity. He feels people are always out to get him. The humanity he knows is evil. His aunt emotionally and physically abuses him. The bullies at school torture him. To Slake, humanity represents a force that wants to keep him down. To escape humanity, he goes into the subway for 121 days. Once there, he finds his own brand of humanity. It is one of compassion and love from caring adults. They give him food and clothes. The subway is its own world and the people seem to be more generous and attentive to Slake. Many of the people do not see him because they are rushing to get to their destinations.