An accurate portrayal of the life of an apprentice adds psychological depth to Blackwood's historical novel. Widge has been treated as a slave, a person to be owned by the master and to do his bidding, no matter what. Widge has had no ethical upbringing. He has had no positive role models to teach him what is right and what is wrong. What saves him is his own ability to consider and assess a situation and to act accordingly.

The role of women in Shakespeare's theatrical world is shown through Julia's quest to be a performer. It was believed at the time in England that the stage would corrupt a woman, so men played women's parts. Julia had to cross the Channel to France for an opportunity in the theater.