Paton found a great way to incorporate theme into the novel. Three of the biggest themes that have been stressed in the novel was trust in family, fear of the unknown, and power of religion. The story really pulls many different messages for the readers. The book goes beyond just entertainment. It pushes to help people see what has happened so that maybe it can avoided in the future.
Having a strong family support system is key. When everything fails it is always good to have family to turn to. For a son sometimes his father is the best person to turn to when in need. Kamola does not leave his son alone when Absolom is at his weakest: "Still kneeling, the father took his son's hands, and they were not lifeless any more, but clung to his, seeking some comfort, some assurance. And the old man held them more strongly, and said again, be of good courage, my son(241)." When you fall emotionally or physically family should always be the main people you trust to help you up again.
Fear of something different really affected the novel. Natives and white from the story didn't know how to feel about things they didn't know.
Change in segregation scared them because they were so use to degrading each other that it was all they knew. "But most white men do not know this truth about power, and they are afraid lest we get it (70)." Even though change is what was greatly needed people still feared it too much to let it happen.
Religion can be life changing. When you choose to live for God then you live better as Paton shows when the first sign or trust Kumalo received was from a Christian: "This is Mr. Mafolo, one of our big business men, and a good son of the Church (50)." Without God many people find themselves struggling as they try to depend solely on themselves. The more successful people in the novel are Christians. They seem happier and also don't have to deal with as much crime and fear.
The themes shown in this novel are a big part of the storyline. Paton gets many points across without taking away from the entertainment by using theme. He shows that with family behind you then anything is possible. He also shows by believing in God and not fearing change a better society is possible in South Africa.
