Violence

Violence is an integral motif in this novel, both as a concept and a literal event, as the novel explores the inherently destructive nature of violence itself. For example, one of the most significant and central instances of violence in the novel is the murder of Stuart Burns. The ambiguities and complications of this murder compel the reader to consider the relevant moral dynamics. Prior to Stuart’s death, death is generally portrayed as a villain, as he has a history of physically abusing his wife. Will the novel does not excuse or justify those actions of his, it does acknowledge the disproportionate nature of murder as a punishment. Even Inti feels conflicted, for prior to his death, she herself imagined killing Stuart, thinking to herself, “We are all capable of killing” (133). However, she feels much more uncertain once he is actually dead, as she begins...