Justice

The theme of justice is predominantly explored through interactions between characters that highlight racial inequality, and this is largely due to the fact that most of the novel is set in the era of slavery in America. However, justice is also explored through events denoting gender discrimination, and through examples of characters getting their comeuppance.

Racial injustice is rampant in this novel. One recurring example of this is Dana’s relationship with Tom Weylin. Tom is often portrayed as a somewhat fair character. For example, he sends a letter to Kevin when Dana returns to the plantation because he promised that he would do so. Furthermore, he allows Dana to live on the plantation as long as she wants if she keeps taking care of Rufus. However, Tom uses his perceived racial superiority to override Dana whenever he wants to. One example of this is when...