“Now when a people has dictators that is a symptom that they are running mad. They should be watched. I think they should be watched very closely. And later they should be prevented. Now think it is not a nation but an individual, now see, this is like he had a disease.”
Pompey witnesses the culture in Nazi Germany and through the assertion points out the moral decay in such a society. As a satire on totalitarianism, the novel critiques the societies that allow for dictators to run their governments. In that, a tyrannical society contaminates the societal values and fosters a culture that is not sustainable over time. The narrative covers through the rise and fall of the Nazi government, thus culminates the thought that such a civilization under dictatorship is decaying ideologically.
“I am a forward-looking girl and don't stay where I am. “Left right, Be bright,” as I said in my poem. That's on days when I am one big bounce, and have to go careful then not to be a nuisance. But later I get back to my own philosophical outlook that keeps us all kissable.”
Through her introspections, Pompey notices her progressive mindset which on occasion can cripple her social or love life. She is an assertive woman at a time when women were expected to be docile or subservient, thus she is anxious she might come off as annoying. In order for her as a woman to be able to have a healthy social life and probably find romance she is expected to abide by the societal expectations for women. However, Pompey coming from a family of confident women finds it is a task oscillating between both mindsets. Hence chooses her freedom and focus on her own principles.
“But sometimes suffering measures life and ends it. And then it is not good at all. And between two people without knowing it a love may grow up, and a link may form, and no one knows or guesses.”
Pompey contemplates on the significance of suffering to humanity as it gauges life thus gives it meaning. Though she also points out that it can persist to one’s own demise without giving any solace. Therefore, the gift of romance that blossoms between two people make it worthwhile, as love is spontaneous in a commitment.
