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Engelbrecht – Villafane ©2013
Slant of Light contains a host of themes, some emphasized more than others. The goal here is to illuminate a few in the hopes of inspiring development and exploration.
Idealism vs. Reality
Turner quickly learns that founding an ideal community is very different from authoring one. Questions regarding how quickly ideals falter when faced with real personalities, temptation, and opposing viewpoints rise throughout the course of the novel. The condition of being an idealist is also explored.
Nature
Can Truth be found in nature? Is nature full of examples of cooperation and beauty, or is it full of fights for survival? Can it be both? Is it an effective metaphor for human life? Is nature random or can patterns and predictability be found? What about human behavior?
Human Nature
The statement “Man is wolf to man” continues to be asserted by Charlotte’s father, yet for every act of violence in the novel, there is an act of compassion and strength. Is kindness or self preservation the universal rule while the other is an exception?
The Interdependent Nature of Humanity
Characters constantly find themselves at the mercy of strangers who can either help them or do them great harm. This opens the door for additional research regarding the way in which society evolves. Hospitality Adhering to traditional acts of hospitality is expected, but the changing world makes these interactions pregnant with possibilities of danger and abuse.
Power and Limits of Formal Education
The universal nature of this statement can be questioned as the novel progresses and as knowledge of farming, nature, and other survival skills prove to be valuable.
Slavery
Turner and other characters believe that there are many forms of slavery. Hypocrisy
Turner’s affair and abuse of power lend themselves to discussions regarding hypocrisy, as does the very nature of Daybreak. Are there examples of inequality within a community that is supposedly based upon equality? Are these examples the result of poor leadership, or is inequality intrinsically part of any community, regardless of the intentions behind its formation? Other characters exhibit hypocrisy in their views toward immigrants, slavery, and women’s rights while being citizens of Daybreak.
Personal Property vs. Communal Ownership
Is private ownership inherently evil? Can anything be completely shared? Is communal ownership fair? Is fair always equal?
