Moral Development
Throughout this novel, readers see the main character Bayard grow up, as his moral levels change for better or for worse. Bayard's morality is at an all-time low as a child, as he is seen shooting and harming Union soldiers because of the thrill and the imitation of the adults, rather than the principals in which the South stood for. The death of his grandmother was the most major event that shaped his moral development. After her death, Bayard takes many responsibilities similar to the ones of an adult, but he also takes it upon himself to get justice for his deceased grandmother. But, on the contrary, his morality is at an all-time high as he decides not to kill Redmond. Rather than closing a path chosen by the peer pressure of society and the spirit of revenge, he chooses a more moral path that does not allow the killing of another person. To conclude, the novel focuses mainly on Bayard's social development as he grows older throughout the novel.
Race
In a departure from other novels by Faulkner, there was not as many overwhelming racial questions asked upon society by the narration. But, rather a more underlying theme following the path of the American Civil War, one caused by many problems of racial injustice. In addition, this novel overlies the historical racial prejudice brought upon the slaves, for example, their movement to the river in search of a free life. In closing, the novel follows the American Civil War as it provides an underlining theme of racial inequality.
Courage
During the Civil War era and antebellum, it had taken courage for the African-American slaves to do what they had to do, which was brought to light by the novel. But, Bayard needed to muster enough courage and responsibility to set out and avenge his grandmother's death.
