Identity and Duality: The Fox family, who are central to the story, struggle with their identities and the duality within themselves. They often feel split between their human and animalistic natures, a metaphor for the inherent complexities and contradictions of human existence.
Family and Bonds: Findley explores the nature of family and the complexities of human relationships. He delves into the theme of dysfunctional families, where secrets, estrangement, and betrayal cause tension and disharmony.
Sexuality: The novel tackles themes related to sexuality and human desire, including same-sex attraction, bisexuality, and the fluid nature of sexual identity. Findley challenges conventional notions of sexuality and explores the multifaceted aspects of human relationships.
Nature and the Environment: Findley incorporates the natural world into the narrative, making it an integral part of the characters' experiences. He explores the interconnections between nature and humanity, as well as the impact of human actions on the environment.
Social Class: The novel highlights issues related to social class and privilege. It examines the inequalities and conflicts between different social strata and the resulting power dynamics within society.
Memory and Perspective: Findley emphasizes the subjectivity and fluidity of memory, as characters' recollections of past events often differ and are influenced by their biases and emotional states. The narrative also explores the concept of multiple perspectives, demonstrating how different individuals perceive the same events in varying ways.
These themes combine to create a complex and multi-layered narrative that probes deep into the human condition, raising thought-provoking questions about identity, relationships, and the intricate nature of human existence.