Persecution and racism
As a half-black person, Olivia finds it difficult to connect with others, because typically her community either mistreats her for being part black (many in town are racist, even in England), and she is often not considered "black enough" for many. With this binocular point of view, she learns how to do what is best for herself. Ultimately, she decides to flee her home and the persecution and mistreatment she endures there.
The mistreatment of women
Although Olivia enjoys marriage, that doesn't mean this marriage is beneficial to her. It is established by her father's will, which is literally patriarchy, and it is based on a lie. Her own husband is already married, and has been lying to her, using her for sexual company, and for the money of course. This is because Olivia is like property to Augustus. When she realizes the truth, she passes on Augustus and leaves him, and she also declines Mr. Honeywood, not falling for any more tricks. She goes to Jamaica to heal her mind.
True love and self love
Although Olivia finds meaning in her marriage to Augustus, she chooses the path of self love instead of romantic love. The book ends by reminding the reader of Olivia's damaged mental health, explaining that to be used and abused the way she was, to be treated like property—that those mistreatments were damaging, and therefore, she needs to heal. She chooses to be single to re-establish her identity in the wake of romantic disappointment.
