M.C. Higgins, the Great deals with three issues that parents or teachers may want to discuss with their children: pollution, parent-child relationships, and sexuality. Hamilton's portrayal of the effect of pollution is a perfect springboard for discussion of pollution today, either on the local or the global level. Nuclear waste and acid rain threaten many countries, and the depletion of the ozone layer is of concern to many people. Hamilton's story shows an individual taking responsibility for a dangerous situation and protecting himself and his family from the threat of pollution. M.C. deals only with symptoms, not with the source of the problem, but he does respond positively to what might seem an overwhelming problem.

The relationship between M.C. and Jones is sometimes tense and volatile.

As Jones watches his son outdistance him, he naturally feels proud of his son's strength and growing...