Friendship and Connection
The characters Glenn and Kevin who have a strong and genuine friendship are central to this concept. They rely on each other for emotional support and physical protection as they set out to bridge the rift. Their shared experiences and hardships establish a strong bond between them, helping them to face the perils and uncertainties of their newfound environment together. Glenn and Kevin both grow and transform as a result of their friendship. Glenn, who first pushes others away, learns to open herself up to vulnerability and relies on Kevin as a confidant and ally. Kevin, on the other hand, transforms from a helpful friend to a source of inspiration and motivation for Glenn, encouraging her to face her anxieties and accept her true self. The concept of connection and camaraderie extends beyond Glenn and Kevin's relationship. Along the way, they meet other characters who become important to their mission and provide layers of connection and support. These ties not only help Glenn and Kevin with their quest, but they also show the importance of building bonds with others when exploring unknown and perilous terrain.
Magic and Wonder
The theme of magic and wonder introduces a wonderful and fascinating world that lives beyond the split, in contrast to the Colloquium's bleak and unpleasant character. The revelation of a magical and wondrous country beyond the rift opens up a new realm of possibilities and challenges the characters' perspective of their reality. The presence of magic creates a sense of amazement and intrigue, kindling both the characters' and readers' imaginations. The theme of magic and wonder also lends excitement and adventure to the story. Glenn and Kevin, the characters, find themselves navigating a world in which the norms they are accustomed to no longer apply. They come across mythical creatures, spells, and enchanted landscapes that fill them with awe and an exhilarating sense of the unknown. The theme of magic and wonder also investigates the relationship between the fanciful and the perilous. While the new world they discover is full of breathtaking magical features, it is also dangerous. The protagonists must traverse the perils and intricacies of this magical realm, showcasing the inherent hazards and temptations that come with magical ability.
The Power of Invention
The Power of Invention investigates the transformative impact that new inventions can have on individuals, societies, and existing power systems. It digs into the potential consequences, ethical implications, and societal transformations that occur when new technologies challenge established conventions. Glenn's father is portrayed in the story as a brilliant inventor who becomes consumed with an all-consuming "project," which initially appears to be the creation of a deluded mind but eventually turns out to be successful, resulting in Glenn's father's imprisonment by the Authority. Glenn's father's endeavor demonstrates his obsession and ambition to produce something revolutionary. This raises concerns about inventors' obligations and the potential exploitation of their discoveries. It emphasizes the conflict between advancement and the possibility of harm, compelling characters to consider the ethical consequences of their creations. The story implies that the power of invention has the capacity to both favorably and badly transform the world.
Exploration and Escape
Glenn's desire to flee is firmly founded in her unhappy background and the sense of immobility she feels in her current surroundings. Her mother's departure and her father's spiral into obsession have left her on Colloquium yearning for an escape from the agony and constraints of her life. She sees departing for a distant space station as an opportunity to shed the burdens of her past and explore new territories. The themes of escape and adventure are inextricably linked. Glenn's desire to graduate early and land a seat on a deep space exploration expedition reflects her natural curiosity and passion for knowledge. She fantasizes about traveling into the unknown, seeking out new worlds and experiences that exist outside of her own. The thought of escape takes on a more concrete significance as the novel progresses. When the government comes looking for Glenn and her father, she and her friend Kevin embark on a perilous trip to cross the rift. Glenn and Kevin enjoy a different kind of escapism as they explore this new planet. They are no longer bound by the Colloquium's restrictive norms and constraints. Instead, they find themselves in a world filled with fresh possibilities and dangers at every turn.
