The Theme of Crime
Crime exists as a powerful theme in this novel. Beauregard Montage, the protagonist of the book tries to avoid his criminal activities but in vain. Beauregard is a mechanic who has quit his criminal life to engage in a straight and legal business. However, his plan to live a straight life is put to test after his business falls into debt. The responsibilities to support his family compelled him to get back into criminal activities. Beauregard’s father, Anthony, was also a criminal. The novel features several robberies carried out by different criminals.
The Theme of Family
The main character in the book, Beauregard Montage is a family man. He is married to Kia and together have children. The urge to support the family makes Beauregard engage in criminal activities. As well, he has the responsibility to support his mother who is in a nursing home. Though he has vowed never to engage in heists again, Beauregard finds himself caught between a rock and a hard place after poverty comes calling. No matter the situation, he must support his family.
Internal Conflict of Feeling
Beauregard is torn between two coexisting, but conflicting feelings. While he has assured his family and friends that he would never participate in heists again, the responsibility urge to provide for his family put him to the test. An internal conflict creates a feeling of being stuck in poverty or engaging in heists and getting money to support his family.
The Theme of Poverty
The main reason why Beauregard returns to his past activities of crime is poverty. Beauregard’s auto shop falls into debt and he is unable to support his poor family. He is supposed to take care of her mother who is in a nursing home. As well, he has to cater to the needs of his wife and children. As a sole breadwinner, Beauregard is taken aback by the turn of events when his business crumbles. After weighing several options, he decides to get back to criminal activities to avoid poverty.
The Theme of Betrayal
The criminals featured in this novel are not to be trusted. Several mishaps occur due to the betrayal initiated by some of the accomplices. For instance, Lazy abducts Beauregard and his peers and compels them to help him kill Shade. However, Beauregard alongside his criminal counterparts decides to shortchange Lazy but Ronnie betrays them. Following the betrayal, Beauregard hunts down and eliminates his accomplices, which is also an act of betrayal.
