Identity
Identity is one of the most significant themes in the novel. At the start of the novel, Annis is separated from her mother and sold into slavery at a young age by her father, who raped and impregnated her mother. From a very young age, Annis' mother tried to help her form her own identity. She talked to her about her history, and the history of her family—especially her warrior grandmother. After she is sold into slavery, however, she doesn't fully know who she is and has a lot to discover about the world. Over time, Annis learns a lot about herself through hardship and the rare positive moments she experiences. Things change for her, and she begins to shape her identity when she decides to connect with the earth, myth, and history, as well as with a fellow slave who she meets and falls in love with.
Finding your identity is a long, oftentimes non-linear process for most humans. Even though she is a cog in the hellscape that is slavery, Annis finds a way to discover who she truly is—and it isn't a slave. This theme is very hopeful. When someone in a situation like Annis can find herself, anyone can find themselves in a reasonably healthy way.
The horrors of slavery
Ultimately, Let Us Descend is a warning to readers about the horrors of slavery. Throughout the novel, readers see the horrible treatment, abuse, and sexual assault that many slaves had to endure at the hands of their white slave masters. Slavery has no redeeming values; it is shown to be what it is in the novel: monstrous. Slaves aren't treated with the dignity and respect that every human deserves to be treated with. Instead, they are treated as subhumans.
Love
Love is another important theme in the novel. From the start of Ward's book, it is clear that Annis' mother loves her dearly. She spends all the time that she can with her daughter, telling her stories of her family and her past. That's why, when Annis is separated from her mother, she is able to persevere. She has something that other slaves haven't been able to experience: the love of a parent. Later, she also gets to experience romantic love, making her a more rounded, complete, and fulfilled person.
