Cultural assumption
The essay collection draws attention to wrong ideas that are handed down through cultural assumption. The imagery shows the way that generational ideas are handed down to children both intentionally and accidentally, and then through the child's experience of a limited cultural setting, the opinions are treated as facts in the growing minds of the children, so that when they are adults, they hand the same ideas down, scrutiny-free and uninformed.
Literature as counter-culture
In light of the mechanism described, Webster's view of literature is seen as counter-cultural and challenging. She underlines how reading books gives children the access to their own imagination for the way the world might be, and the exposure to different points of view and different worlds can help them to see the world from a new point of view, so that they are not easily brainwashed by people who want to give them ideas that are harmful.
Wisdom and judgment
What is the skill a child gains by reading literature? Webster's essay elaborates a system of discernment that she sometimes calls wisdom and judgment. This imagery is less about what one sees and more about how one sees it. The imagery is internal and external. Internally, the imagery speaks to humility, because she sees that some people are more willing to admit they are wrong about things, whereas some people stake their ideas on pride. Externally, the essays point to scrutiny, taking things with a grain of salt.
Love and sincerity
By seeing the world clearly through independent belief and an informed, well-read world view, Webster defines the ultimate goal of community. By scrutinizing gossip and drama in the neighborhood, she arrives at a hypothetical objective for community. She sees this through an abstract imagery: the imagery of love as the sincere support and approval of other people and their journeys toward happiness.
