“Anyone can betray anyone.”
This statement is one that is repeated severally in the novel undoubtedly due to its relevance to the plot and the end of the narrative. First uttered to Mare by a Red, Farley, and later Julian Jacos, the first Silver to say it to her. It is relevant because it encompasses how Mare cannot trust anyone despite any assurances she has gathered over time. This would come to pass through the betrayal he faces from Prince Maven her fiancé who was initially shy but turns out to be extremely evil. The least person expected to betray her in her journey ends up turning against her and even his own brother Cal.
“There's nothing wrong with being different.”
Once Mare becomes aware of her supernatural powers despite being a Red, it makes her confused in regards to her identity. As her mentor towards understanding herself, Julian says these words to her in order to assure her. In that what makes her different is not a mistake but a gift. This assertion further resonates through the entire crusade of the Reds, they are different than the Silvers but they do not deserve to be oppressed. They seek freedom and to be recognized as equals despite lacking the attributes the other race possesses. This further emphasizes the novel’s message, that as humans we are all equals despite the color of our skin.
“It's our nature. We destroy. It's the constant of our kind. No matter the color of blood, man will always fall.”
One of the lessons that Julian teaches Mare about the flaws of humanity irrespective of their perceived superiority. In this regard, he is referring to the eventual fall of the Silvers, since all empires collapse despite their influence and power. War, corruption, and betrayal are humanity’s vices that brings down civilizations, a sentiment shared through the assertion. Both by seeking power or fighting for freedom we destroy for it to be rebuilt again and the cycle continues.
“I can’t believe I didn’t see him for what he was from the beginning: a wolf in sheep’s clothing. And now I’m the sheep pretending to be a wolf.”
Mare finally understands the statement “anyone can betray anyone” thus the narrative goes full circle. She believed Prince Maven would be the one to assist her in her quest to save her people. But in retrospect, we find he is indeed the likely character to betray her since he is the ‘perfect’ wolf wearing sheep’s clothing. Now Mare sees herself as the good-hearted individual tasked with being vindictive and vengeful in order to avenge herself and everyone else.
