Greed
Greed is a theme of the novel. People are always around Daniel Ponder and listening to his stories when he has money and a predilection for giving gifts. After his trial, where he gives away all of his money to the people in attendance, the people do not come to see him. Since they will not profit from being his in his presence, they do not bother to visit him. This shows that the people did not love Daniel; they loved his giving heart. The only person who stays by his side is Edna Earle. She loves Daniel not for his money, but for his innocence and his large heart.
Innocence
Innocence is a theme of the novel. Daniel Ponder has an innocence that men of his age do not possess. He believes in the goodness of people and likes to give away his possessions to people to make them happy. It is his greatest pleasure to make others happy.
Bonnie Dee Peacock is an innocent seventeen- year-old who catches the eye of Daniel Ponder. Even though she is much younger than him, he wants to make her his wife. She is in a city for the first time and is in awe of her surroundings. Daniel is drawn by her beauty and innocence.
Loyalty
Loyalty is a theme of the novel. Edna Earle is loyal to her family. She would do anything to help Uncle Daniel. She believes that he is a unique character who has not been treated fairly by his father. She does not agree with his father’s attempt to institutionalize him. Edna is always on his side. She testifies at his trial even stretching the truth to keep her uncle safe.
Edna Earle is that only one by his side after the trial. When the people stop coming to see him, Edna is with him and will always encourage him to tell his stories. She is a loyal person who will do anything for her family.
Truth
Truth is a theme of the novel. The trial of Daniel Ponder is to obtain the truth of Bonnie Dee Peacock’s untimely death. The death of a seventeen-year-old is always tragic. Her family is encouraged by Dorris R. Gladney, attorney-at-law, to blame Daniel Ponder for her death and learn how she died. He wants Daniel to tell his side of the story. Daniel’s lawyer, DeYancey Clanahan and Edna Earle do not want Daniel to take the stand, since they do not know what he will say.
Edna Earle and DeYancey Clanahan do not want the truth to be told. They want to save Uncle Daniel from the truth. Daniel has an innocent disposition and sometimes does not understand his actions. They worry the truth will change him.
Youth
Youth is a theme of the novel. Daniel Ponder is drawn to Bonnie Dee Peacock’s youth. She is young and full of energy. This youthful energy makes Daniel feel young. Feeling young is a draw to many people. As one grows older, one wants to have the same energy and enthusiasm of youth. Having someone around who has this youthful energy is revitalizing and Daniel misses it when Bonnie Dee leaves.
