Hate and Violence

The central theme of this novel is the struggle to achieve freedom from hate and violence. Daniel tries time and time again to free himself of his fierce hatred of the Roman occupation of Israel. However, his need for the relatively security and safety of the mountain and his outlaw friends overshadow his ability to move successfully from their influence. His vow to avenge his parents' death and the fear in his sister, Leah, are so strong that he is blinded with the need to defeat the Romans physically through war. Very often in the story Daniel is prone to ill-advised rash actions of violence, when he could more realistically achieve even a short-term goal through patience.

Daniel is able to convince others of this need and to lead them on the pathway he feels is right to overcome the occupation of Israel. In doing so...