Power, Desire and Greed
Mutability conquers Earth and desires to conquer heavens. This shows her desire for power. Mutability is not satisfied with ruling Earth alone. She wants to rule both earth and heavens. The move shows her greediness. Power and greed are hazardous and Mutability’s desire for power make her become wicked. Both animals and humans are destructed when earth undergoes changes. Mutability’s quest to change heavenly policies and rule over gods shows her desire for power.
Rebelion vs Conformity
Mutability’s desire to dethrone deities from ruling heavens makes her rebellious. Indeed, she is not willing to conform to the rules of nature. Jove, the ruler of gods is also enraged by mortals who are opposing his rule and ends up punishing them. Naturally, mortals are supposed to conform to the rules of their gods and not vice-versa. Mortals opposing deities’ rule are fighting against the mainstream ideals and beliefs in society.
Moral Decadence
The main character in the book, Mutability, fails to uphold morality in society. She changes every law of nature from good to bad. By making moon to stand still and heavens to turn dark, Mutability, is behaving in a way that demonstrates low moral standards. The changes she is asking to be implemented show the decline in upholding societal ideals and moral standards. Ethics have eroded and justice is no longer useful. Mutability’s craving for power signify moral decadence. As well, Faunus’ behavior of bribing Molanna (Cynthia’s nymph) to tell him where Cynthia is taking bath confirms moral decadence. Faunus wants to see Cynthia naked. Such a behavior signifies deterioration of moral standards. The author explores a sense of spiritual imperfection where a man is yearning to dictate nature and change its laws. Such a behavior shows deterioration of ethical standards.
Tradition vs Change
Traditionally, mortals should hold conventional ideas of spirituality in high esteem. However, Mutability seems to be defying these traditions. Mutability is threatening to change hierarchy of divine order. Actually, she is a mere mortal but demands change to be privileged over tradition. Her resistance to divine order depicts him as an outcast. The relentless opposition of gods’ rule goes against traditional set of beliefs and traditions.
Corruption
The theme of corruption is displayed through Faunus’ behavior to offer nymph Molanna fruits to tell him where Cynthia is bathing. Faunus wants to see Cynthia naked. Bribes are dangerous and leads to consequences. Cynthia punishes Faunus by turning him into a stag. Cynthia also punishes her maid for accepting a bribe to show Faunus where he takes bath. Corruption erodes the trust and Cynthia could not trust her maid anymore.
