Wealth

McFadden often contrasts the affluent from those with less or those who struggle. The Robinsons are wealthy compared to the blacks who work manual labor. Lucille lives a wealthy life as a popular singer. She lives in nice homes and brings her parents and siblings to live with her in the big house in Harlem. Emma is raised in wealth but she and her husband Sam struggle to make enough to live on. The Commandant and his wife at Buchenwald are rich while the prisoners are stripped of everything they own upon arriving at the camp.

Freedom

Emma wanted freedom since she was young and was jealous of Lucille who had the chance to feel free when she went on the singing tour. Emma's freedom became limited when she became pregnant and married Sam.

Gwen wanted freedom from her parent's strict rules that kept her from...