In this novel, Hughes addresses various concerns, but the most important of these is the way individual people, and society as a whole, treat people who in some way differ from the norm.

Mark London's attitude toward Olwen is perhaps the most obvious example.

Olwen says he loved the mask she wore; when she removed that mask,.he found her actual appearance repulsive because it was unlike anything he considered human. Considering only her physical appearance, he rejected her.

Even worse, despising himself for having been attracted to her, he continues to hate her for being attractive. Undoubtedly, had Olwen looked like the settlers, Mark's pride and superficiality would not have been revealed so quickly.

Mark London's attitude toward Jody reflects a similar rejection of one who is physically different, but it also raises the question of the autocratic ruler versus the nonconformist. London has convinced...