Suffering
Suffering is perhaps the most significant theme in The Vaster Wilds, which is set in the 17th-century New England wilderness. For the characters in that world, access to quality medical care, a steady supply of food, and safety aren't a given; they have to fight for each of those things—and oftentimes, they never get it. As such, their life is one of suffering. Most of the people in the remote colony, including the novel's character, suffer because of a lack of those things. In fact, much of the colony is suffering from a horrible plague—one without a cure and which will surely kill them after a long time of suffering. In The Vaster Wilds, suffering is shown to have little purpose. It reinforces how difficult life was for people in the 17th; their suffering likewise inspires the novel's main character to escape the camp so she doesn't meet the same fate as them.
Independence
Independence is yet another important theme in the novel. Growing up, the main character in the novel felt oppressed and unable to be who she truly was. Her parents, as well as her community, were strict and ran her small hamlet with an iron fist. As the main character grew older, she also became more interested in living autonomously. She wanted to have the space to be herself without judgment. Eventually, after much of her town grew sick and started to die, she recognized an opportunity: she could escape her oppressive environment and set out on her own, finally free to have the space to explore her identity. Finally, they are free to be independent from outside influences.
Overcoming adversity
After leaving her town, the novel's main character frequently has to overcome adversity in a number of different shapes and sizes. For instance, she is forced to contend with difficult weather on a number of occasions. She also has to deal with dangerous wild animals, unsavory people who want to do her harm, and other similarly dangerous situations. She is an intelligent young woman who goes through a lot but comes out of her adversity a better, more complete, and independent person. The novel reinforces the idea that, when you deal with adversity, human beings should dust themselves off and push forward.
