The rights of women is a common theme in Alexander's writings. In The Arkadians, the theme is central to the action, serving as motivation for many of the characters. For the Bear worshipers, women are supposed to be subservient to men. One of Bromios's reasons for persecuting followers of the Lady of Wild Things is his distaste for women telling men what to do. The female followers of the Lady of Wild Things react bitterly toward their persecution by men; they choose not to write down their knowledge but instead memorize it in order not to share it with outsiders—especially males. Much of the action of the novel focuses on Lucian learning through observation and experience to respect women; other men, including Bromios, also learn to value women and to respect their civil rights.