Blended Themes

Social injustice and racism

The theme of social injustice is notably profound in Blended. Through various examples throughout the book, Draper powerfully encapsulates the entrenched racism and societal prejudices that persist in contemporary society. Isabella's experience as a biracial individual, her navigation of "white" and "Black" spaces, and the harrowing incident of police violence she witnesses with Darren all contribute to this theme.

One pivotal event that epitomizes this theme is when Isabella and Darren witness an act of police brutality. This moment is a turning point in Isabella's understanding of societal prejudices and the harsh realities of racial inequality. She witnesses firsthand the indiscriminate violence that Black individuals can experience, and this incident is a stark wake-up call. It exposes her to the sobering truth that societal structures often disproportionately disadvantage certain racial groups, particularly Black people.

This incident also triggers a new level of awareness in Isabella, stimulating a deeper understanding of the broader societal implications of her own experiences with race. It highlights the racial disparities within systems of power and prompts her to consider her role and potential actions in addressing these injustices.

Additionally, Draper presents this theme as an isolated issue and part of an interconnected web of societal challenges. It overlaps with the themes of racial identity and family dynamics, underlining how systemic racism can pervade all aspects of life, even for young individuals like Isabella.

Family dynamics

The theme of family dynamics and the impact of divorce is heavily featured in the novel. Isabella's parents are divorced, and she splits her time between their two very different homes. This constant shifting contributes to Isabella's feelings of instability and disconnection. As her parents start new relationships, the dynamics become even more complex. Draper analyzes the emotional toll of divorce on children through Isabella's perspective, illustrating the challenges they face in adapting to changing family structures, the stress of custody battles, and the effort to maintain relationships with both parents.

Racial identity

A central theme in Blended is racial identity and the challenges of being biracial in a society where people are often categorized by their racial background. Isabella is African American and white, and this 'blended' racial identity often makes her feel like she doesn't belong entirely in either community. This theme is skillfully analyzed in the novel through Isabella's experiences at school, where she faces microaggressions and overt racism, and at home, where she navigates her relationships with her racially different parents. Her experiences underline the complexities of biracial identity and highlight the importance of embracing all aspects of one's heritage.