Change and Transformation

The book’s story, as shaped and revealed by the actions and narrations of its characters, is primarily defined by experiences of change and transformation. Its primary plot, involving Fleur’s determination to regain control of her land, is in fact set in motion by an experience of profound change – that is, the change that resulted when the taking of Fleur’s land by John James Mauser created such a completely disruptive change in her life and identity. Then, and also as part of the book’s development of this theme, as Fleur pursues her goals and intentions, she strives to create traumatic, long-lasting, and destructive change in Mauser’s life. She manages to do so, at least to some degree, but then experiences even further change herself, as her feelings and intentions are transformed by circumstances. The most significant experience of transformation in...