Memory
This novel is largely concerned with the memories of Sunraider and Hickman, as they reminisce on the Senator's deathbed. For example, they share one memory about when a crazy woman arrived at the church, trying to steal Bliss while claiming to be his mother. Afterward, they attended the cinema and Bliss became scared as the lady in the film looked like the woman who attacked the church. Hickman also reminisces on how he came to adopt Bliss in the first place, revealing a dark and violent past, and events that changed his life forever.
Racism
Racism is a key theme in this text and is presented as a complex and significant sociological issue. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to a racist senator called Sunraider, who gives a terrible racist speech, containing derogatory terms and phrases. Later, it is revealed the Hickman's own brother Robert was lynched after being accused of rape, despite his innocence. Here, we see that racism is embedded legally, morally, and politically in American society, having psychological, physical, and violent consequences.
Kindness and acceptance
Despite his background, Bliss is adopted by Hickman, who treats him as if he were his own son. Hickman teaches Bliss about life, and invites him into the church community, with many members doing their part in protecting Bliss. Despite this, Bliss abandons his community and becomes a racist senator, betraying his adoptive father. At the end of the novel, Bliss is metaphorically taken to the afterlife by a car of black men, representing the lack of vengeance and anger towards Bliss, despite his actions.
