What is the theme in The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty by Anne Rice?

Pride is another theme in the book. Laurent has been raised as a prince and royalty are generally instilled with pride. This upbringing is contradicted by his training as a pleasure slave, but Laurent still manages to present himself as a proud individual throughout his journey. Laurent exhibits pride in being displayed on the Punishment Cross because it distinguishes him. He enjoys presenting himself as rebellious because he feels it shows his strength and disregard for the punishment that is an inevitable result of rebellion. Laurent shows his pride in punishment again in the Garden of Male Delights when he is proud of his whipping, separating him from the other slaves on crosses. His encounter with the Sultan later causes him shame through the evidence of his punishment.