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While the story focuses on many men, the women of the story are powerful in shaping it. Without Miss Emma and Tante Lou, Grant would have not visit Jefferson, rendering the story useless. Without Vivian, Grant would have ran away from his problems rather than staying in his town. The women in this story are crucial to Grant's development despite not being a major focus.

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Throughout the novel, the past influences the story. Miss Emma uses her past with the pichot family to convince them to help her. Grant's understanding of education is influenced by his former teacher, as well as by his childhood. Vivian is unable to fully be with Grant because of her past marriage. The past is the groundwork for all else.

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Despite Grant being a school teacher, education in the typical sense is shown to be of little value as it pertains to real life. However, education is also depicted as being transforming - hopefully turning Jefferson from a "hog" to a man.

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The effects of racism are seen throughout the story; it is the cause of both Jefferson's death and Grant's cynicism.

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The church serves as the community center throughout the book and holds the town together.