Choice

From the very beginning of the novel, the claimant learns about choices. He can choose where to sit. This lesson is not only literal, he learns that he can really choose which chair to sit in, but also figurative as he can choose which chair to sit in in society. He doesn't have to let someone else make him feel as if he belongs in a certain place as readers learn that he did in his relationship with Rana.

Later, his examiner gives him the opportunity to make more complicated choices such as which way to turn when he leaves the house. Finally he has the ultimate choice of whether to leave with Hilda or stay. Whatever he chooses, there will be consequences and he has to learn how to deal with these. When he "turns Hilda in," he feels regret. That's the consequence of his...