In this novel Cormier again focuses on subject matter that is very much part of the life of young Americans.

Despite the fact that violence, vandalism, and related phenomena are to a certain extent common experience for all Americans, Cormier in his text takes this experience out of its commonness and establishes it as an incredible and unique incident. In this way he is able to create a sharp focus on his theme.

The theme of the novel is developed out of the random act of violence committed against the home of the Jerome family and their daughter Karen by four high school seniors. The major questions discussed in the text include the motives of the trashers for such behavior as well as the consequences for the people victimized.

The title We All Fall Down—derived from an old nursery rhyme—highlights...