- Hypocrisy and Double Standards: The play highlights the contradictions within Southern society, where enslavers preach moral values while engaging in immoral behavior, particularly interracial relationships.
- Miscegenation and Racial Identity: The focus on the mixed-race character, Zoe, and the uncertainty surrounding her racial heritage challenge societal norms and raise questions about racial identity and categorization.
- Tragedy and Loss: The play's tragic ending, in which Zoe's life is sacrificed to prevent her from being enslaved, emphasizes the destructive consequences of racial prejudice and the powerlessness of individuals caught within a deeply divided society.
- Female Agency: Despite limitations faced by women during that time, Zoe emerges as a strong and somewhat courageous character, taking agency in her life and circumstances as much as possible.
- Colorism: The play also touches on colorism, a form of prejudice and discrimination based on skin color, as characters are differentiated and treated differently based on their skin tone.
- Dangers of Revenge and Violence: The play cautions against seeking vengeance and embracing violent solutions to societal problems, illustrating the devastating effects of perpetuating cycles of violence.