The patriarchal tyrant
The imagery of Marie's house can be seen as a concrete depiction of an abstract idea. Through manifest imagery, we see Marie's life within the context of hyper-masculine domination. Her father is a patriarch and a tyrant who uses his natural advantage to his benefit. He threatens his wife and children with fear and violence, abusing his own wife to the point of insanity and panic. He does not admire women nor does he value them as people. In the imagery of patriarchal tyranny, women become little more than property. Marie grows up as a slave of the home.
Feminine sexuality and shame
Marie likes men and longs to fall in love, but her hearts desire is constantly taken away from her. Instead of getting to marry a nice, respectful man who will take care of her, she is constantly ashamed. She ends up being like a martyr of this shame. Not only is she too poor to be considered for certain marriages, there are also plenty of men who want their way with her, but under false pretenses. They don't want to be family with her. For some reason, all the men in Marie's community carry this idea that it is shameful for a woman to be sexual, so she cannot find men who will accept her as sexual partner and intimate life partner.
Violence and rape
The unfortunate imagery of violation and rape occurs throughout the novel. The depictions are heart-rending and painful, especially since the community around the victim often blames her and makes her feel ashamed. This is not the truth for every person in the community; Big Buck is helpful and accepting, but when she finally falls in love again, this time with Anand Menvekar, she is abandoned for having been impure—but she was raped! The imagery of rape and shame is evidence of systemic brokenness in her society. She is "the orphan and the widow," but she is treated like her father treated Aunt Helen.
Power and authority
Marie's life is defined by power structures and authority. For instance, she wonders whether she actually has the power to do what she wants in life. She exerts her free will to leave her father's tyrannical home where he abuses power and authority, and she tries to make her way in life with what little power she is afforded. Again and again, she is neglected, abandoned, and rejected because she is a woman, and women as free agents are not allowed in her community. The imagery shows that in many ways, she is actually shamed for wanted freedom and autonomy.
