Empowerment
Throughout the novel, Zoey undergoes a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Initially, Zoey feels powerless and believes that her voice doesn't matter. She thinks she needs to be like an octopus, blending into the background to avoid problems. However, her experience in the school debate club helps her recognize her value and potential. By learning to articulate her thoughts and argue her viewpoints, Zoey begins to see the power of her voice. She starts standing up for herself and her family, transforming from a quiet, overlooked girl into a strong and confident young woman. This theme underscores the power of self-expression and the importance of advocating for oneself and others. It also demonstrates how education and supportive mentors, like Ms. Rochambeau, can play pivotal roles in empowering young individuals.
Poverty and social inequality
One of the primary themes in The Benefits of Being an Octopus is the representation of poverty and social inequality. The protagonist, Zoey, lives in a low-income, single-parent household that struggles to make ends meet. As the story unfolds, readers see how poverty affects many aspects of Zoey's life: her academic performance, self-esteem, and future prospects. Braden vividly portrays the limitations that poverty places on individuals and families, providing a nuanced picture of the structural inequalities in society. This theme is further highlighted through the contrast between Zoey's life and the lives of her more affluent classmates, revealing the stark disparities that exist within the same community. The narrative encourages readers to reflect on these social issues and consider their broader implications.
Resilience
The Benefits of Being an Octopus significantly explores the theme of resilience and adaptation, symbolized by Zoey's fascination with octopuses. Like an octopus, Zoey must adapt to her challenging environment and find ways to survive. Despite her young age, she bears the weight of her household responsibilities and navigates various challenges associated with her family's financial situation.
Zoey's resilience is shown in the ways she continually adjusts to her circumstances: looking after her siblings, managing schoolwork, dealing with her mother's boyfriend, and finding solace in the school's debate club. This theme is embodied in her admiration of the octopus's ability to change its color to blend in with its surroundings, signifying her wish to adapt to her surroundings and remain unnoticed. However, as the story progresses, Zoey realizes that her strength lies in her ability to adapt and her resilience and capacity to effect change.
