Good versus Evil

The overriding theme of this book is the struggle between good and evil.

The Dark Thing has swallowed up part of the galaxy. The Dark Thing swallows up light and goodness, and leaves darkness, pain, and sickness. The epitome of the Dark Thing is the planet Camazotz. On Camazotz, the people are ruled by a giant brain named IT, which saps their individuality and independence. The people live in fear, and the planet is full of menace.

Goodness is personified by light and music and love. Uriel and Ixchel, although they are different looking planets, personify the good. Both planets are full of beautiful sounds and smells and tastes. The creatures on these planets are accepting of others, and understand that appearances matter less than behavior and spirit.

Goodness is not without pain, as the reader sees when a star gives up its life to fight...