The nature of good and evil. The play explores the complex nature of good and evil. Shen Te is a good person, but she is also capable of doing evil things. This is because she is living in a world that is full of corruption and violence. She is forced to make choices that are not always easy, and she sometimes makes mistakes.
The role of society in shaping morality. The play also explores the role of society in shaping morality. Shen Te is trying to live a good life, but she is constantly being prevented from doing so by the society around her. She is exploited by her landlord, her customers, and even her friends. This shows that it is difficult to be good in a world that is not.