Fritz uses the story of Benedict Arnold's life to illustrate several important themes about human behavior.

First, she demonstrates that, even in times of crisis, one's character determines one's actions; people are in control of their own destinies, rather than being mere pawns swept up by events beyond their control. Arnold's life serves, too, as an example of what can happen when a person's ego prods him or her to seek selfish ends; the consequences of such action can lead to personal failure and to social and political disaster as well.

Fritz relies heavily on character development to present her themes. The focus of her study is Benedict Arnold himself. She plays up the dominant personality traits of the American general: his bravery, which at times leads him to the extremes of foolhardiness, and his driving need for success and recognition. In a sense...