Controlling Parents
The protagonist of The Circus in the Attic, Bolton Lovehart, has very strict parents. His mother always makes him do things that will make her proud. She scolds Bolton when she finds out that her son works as a common ticket-taker and orders him to complete his unfinished book.
Futile Rebellion
Bolton Lovehart, being a good student, has an interest in the circus. He sneaks from his house to join the circus, but he gets rejected. After his mother's refusal, her love interest leaves her side, and he marries a widow. In the whole story, Bolton keeps trying to defy her mother's saying but never achieves his dreams too.
Recollection
Blackberry Winter's main theme is recollection. It's a pure example of Warren's nostalgia writing. He tells a story of a nine year old boy Seth.The mention of the farm of Seth's father, the creek near his house are reminders of Warren's grandfather's house in Kentucky where he lived in his childhood.
Southern States of America
In Blackberry Winter, the writer gives a detailed picture of the Southern part of America. The writer came from and had lived in many rural parts of South America. His story takes place in Middle Tennessee's rural areas where the protagonist lives.
