Misogyny and Racism
These two mindsets are presented as the same problem throughout the book. Churchill goes to great lengths to link Clive's misogyny and racism by making character pairs. For instance, Clive disapproves of Joshua for his latent native sympathies in the same manner that he criticizes Edward for his effeminate characteristics. He despises both of his sons for being weak. Doubtless Clive suffers from an immense amount of self-imposed pressure to be decisive and strong, considering those attributes the predominant indications of masculinity. He demands respect from all of his household, even though he often doesn't deserve it thanks to his adulterous habits. Men who express such obvious preoccupations with overt masculinity often turn out to be gay but unable to admit it to themselves which is why they behave hatefully toward people who seem to have embraced these qualities within themselves. It's jealousy more than anything.
As Clive runs his household, he places himself in the ultimate position of authority. He has no respect for ideas which differ from his own, so he easily ignores the entreaties of his wife and children when they disagree with him. He rules with an iron fist, denying his inferiors any pleasure if he can help it. In the bedroom, he allows neither his wife nor his mistress to climax. He even chastises Betty for her affair, while he is still carrying out his own affair with Mrs. Saunders. He doesn't respect the women's need for validation, appreciation, and consideration. In his world, everything revolves around his will. In the same way, he makes fun of Joshua for being African. When push comes to shove, he makes Joshua fix the family's problems, often treating the boy more like a servant than a son. He considers Joshua a threat because he's strong willed just like himself. Clive's dominion over his family is painfully maintained by grit and abuse. None of them respect him or agree with his selfish ideas, but they obey him out of fear for personal safety. Doubtless because of his gender identity troubles, he is terribly insecure. This is why he chooses minority groups -- people within his power -- on whom to take out his anger which is actually self-hatred.
Sexual Repression
Every single one of these characters is sexually repressed. They all express secret desires to engage in taboo behavior which is often the result of sexual boredom. Children like Edward and Victoria who grow up in strict households where they are not taught sex ed usually experience a sort of impulsive euphoric sexual rebellion in adulthood. This makes sense when Edward takes a male lover, and Victoria has an affair with her female friend. Regardless of sexual orientation these people should feel comfortable with who they are and free to pursue sexual satisfaction within ethical boundaries. Edward and Victoria, however, were raised by the dominating and insulting force of their father, Clive, who refused to admit his own identity confusion. While Act I presents each of the characters in a repressed light, they have all found new courage by Act II. Betty joins her children in rebellion to Clive and leaves him. Each of them next pursue nontraditional romantic relationships, some of which are more successful than others. By embracing their sexuality, Betty and Victoria both find new confidence in themselves and a renewed sense of purpose. They become excited about life once again. Gone are the days of repression under Clive's selfish rule.
Betrayal
By leaving Clive, each of his family members (and friends) eventually betrays him. The question is not actually should they have done that, but why they didn't do so sooner. Whether they verbally expressed loyalty to him or not, they remained with him. Betty in particular expresses a sense of duty to Clive which is why she never allows herself to pursue relationships to which she's attracted like with Ellen the maid. Since Clive is such an abusive husband and father, he doesn't deserve the loyalty of his family. In fact Joshua, who is not a blood relative nor treated like one in his family, plays a sort of traitor. He knows how much Clive despises the local culture and people, but he is African and fully embraces these people. Several times he undermines Clive's authority in order to participate with his people. Each of Clive's family members stay with him out of duty but eventually find greater meaning for their lives. His extreme restraint over their lives has crushed their spirits until they can longer bear it. True they are betraying him -- especially Betty who breaks her marriage vows, but Clive had long ago broken his as well -- but he shouldn't have been surprised. A tyrannical rule is bound to be overthrown sooner or later. He should be grateful they all left as peaceably as they did. The abuse he's dished out over the years is more than enough to inspire true hatred in people.
