The Theme of Censorship
The Year They Burned the Books revolves around the theme of censorship. Homosexual students in Wilson High come under huge censorship due to their sexual orientation. Most people in Jamie’s town are conservative who abhors homosexuality. When Jamie and her friends come out as homosexuals, they are censored in every aspect. Despite the censorship, the homosexual students soldier on and vow to resist any attempt to silence them.
Isolation and Alienation
Being a gay or lesbian in a conservative community is a challenge. People start isolating and alienating themselves from persons who associate with homosexuality. After Jamie and her friends reveal their sexual identity and orientation, most of their friends disassociate themselves from them. The church and the community at large condemn their activities. Parents warn their children to keep off from Jamie and her peers.
Good vs. Evil
The theme of what is morally good versus what is morally evil is explored throughout the book. The struggle between good and evil rages within the characters. Jamie alongside her homosexual peers are perceived as evil by their heterosexual counterparts. In contrast, homosexual students perceive themselves as morally good because they feel their sexes are trapped within the wrong body. Such struggle of what is good or evil culminates in a situation where neither of the two sides believes it’s wrong.
Discrimination and Prejudice
Homosexual students are discriminated against in every aspect because they are perceived as immoral. Fellow straight students don’t want to be associated with them due to fear of condemnation by society. People judge homosexual students without understanding the whole concept behind their sexuality. Gays and lesbians are subjected to unnecessary discrimination and harassment based on their sexual orientation. Therefore, the case of Jamie and her peers is not different.
The Theme of Homophobia
The irrational hatred and intolerance experienced by gays and lesbians at Wilson High reflect negative attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality. Jamie and her homosexual friends lived harmoniously before revealing their sexual identities. Things took another turn when they came out as homosexuals. Homophobic slurs were used against them.
