Urban Alienation
This novel is the story of an average Scottish businessman who has transplanted himself to London only to discover that an entire world exists beneath the city. London Below is, of course, a magical place in comparison to what is offered up top. And like so many other stories about descending into a wonderland beneath the lackluster life we know, the knowledge of its existence makes going back to soul-crushing normality existing topside a complicated thing, indeed. Important to understand is that wonderland below not equate with a utopian ideal. It is a weird place that is as difficult to traverse as it is to understand. But it is precisely the strangeness that is the appeal.
A sense of being alienated from urban life can be as simple as the overwhelming sensation that nothing much is likely to change and that what changes do come are not exactly positive. It takes Richard Mayhew almost the entirety of his experiences underground to realize just how alienated from life in London he has become, but once this realization hits, it becomes impossible to simply accept. Structuring the theme in this way is insidious means the author uses to implicate the bulk of the population as living in blissful ignorance of the strangeness that their world might offer if only they took a risk now and then by not being alienated from others.
Appearances Are Deceiving
It takes Richard some time to admit that London Below is not a nightmarish underworld. He is fearful at first, of course, and this fear leads to projecting certain expectations upon what he sees and experiences, Gradually, however, he comes to realize that the appearance of it being a hellish place is more illusion than reality and eventually, of course, he comes to desire being there more than he desires to be up top. This theme of things not being what they seem also applies to characters, especially Hunter and Islington in particular. The revelations Hunter and Islington that bring into question what they appear to be are central to the twists and turns of the narrative, but also act thematically upon the story as well.
Identity
Events are set in motion when Richard Mayhew ignores the advice of his rich girlfriend, breaks through the bubble of urban alienation, and challenges his own deceptive appearance by reaching out to help a girl in need. This decision goes against everything that is expected of Richard and the consequences are that he will and can no longer be that Richard. This is literally true: his identity has been completely erased as nobody he knows recognizes him, his apartment is occupied by strangers, and even the rich girlfriend has no idea who he is. And then comes the ultimate proof when his ATM card is rejected even after punching in the correct PIN number. Richard’s act of kindness to an injured girl in need has prompted a series of cause-and-effect alterations not to his reality, but to the reality around him and the consequence is that he is no longer who he says he is to others which forces him to consider whether he was ever really the person that others said he was to them.
Loyalty
Loyalty is a major theme in Neverwhere, as the characters are forced to make difficult choices about who they will stand by and who they will betray. Throughout the novel, the characters form strong bonds with one another and learn the value of friendship. However, they are also faced with challenges that test their loyalty to one another. For example, Richard and his companions must decide who they can trust and who they must protect, even at great personal risk. The theme of loyalty is explored through the relationships between the characters, as they navigate the treacherous underworld of London Below and confront a series of challenges.
The Power of Choice
The characters in Neverwhere are faced with a series of difficult decisions that will shape their futures. The novel explores the idea that every choice has consequences, and that the decisions we make can have a profound impact on our lives. The characters must choose whether to follow their hearts or their heads, and whether to take risks or play it safe. They must also grapple with the weight of their actions and the impact they have on others.
The Importance of Friendship
Throughout the novel, the characters form strong bonds with one another and learn the value of friendship. They support and protect one another, and their relationships are a key factor in their survival in the dangerous world of London Below. The theme of friendship is explored through the bonds that form between the characters, as they navigate the challenges of London Below and rely on one another for support.
The Duality of Good and Evil
The novel explores the idea that good and evil are not always clearly defined, and that people are capable of both good and bad actions. The characters must navigate a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred, and they must make difficult choices about what they believe is right. The theme of good and evil is explored through the actions and motivations of the various characters in the novel, as they struggle to balance their own desires with their sense of morality.
