Several themes common to young people are evident in After Thursday.

Marianne experiences first love. Often girls have crushes on a teacher, an "older man," and sometimes suffer disappointment or disillusionment when their love is not requited. In Marianne's case, she struggles to be mature, not to disappoint or hurt Abe by being immature or flippant about their feelings for each other because he has been hurt before.

Another strong theme is that of seeking independence. Marianne seeks more and more independence from her mother who remains motherly, while giving Marianne the space she seeks.

Mrs. Fenton seems very perceptive in assessing Marianne's feelings and behavior where Abe is concerned.

A more subtle theme is Mrs. Fenton's attempts to get Marianne to broaden her interests. Teen-agers sometimes narrow their group of friends, interests, and activities, and become exclusive, causing them to make poor or...