The collection of poetry revolves around various themes, and touches upon religion, war, love, transcendentalism and humanity. Unlike many traditional poets, Crane rejects use of rhymes and instead chooses to strive for more lyricism within his words, providing a musical lilt to his poems.
A key theme present throughout the poems is that of the emotion of love. Crane describes love in both positive and negative lights. In some ways, he describes love as being enthralling and beautiful enough that “the wide world (rolls) away”, having encapsulated one from the realities of the words. However, love is also shown to be a trap, and a way to punish those that deem to express their sexuality.
Another feature present in his poem is that of the benevolence of God, who is manifested through various mediums, such as nature. He explores humankind's desperate plea to be recognized by God, in the poem "A Man Said to the Universe". At times, God is shown to be merciful and omnibenevolent, doing as much for the people as we do for Him. At other times He is indifferent to the suffering of the world and does not stop such unhappiness in the world when He has the power to do so.
This strong underlying theme of religion is a personal reflection of Crane's own conflict in the belief of God. Crane himself grew up in a strict household where his father was a Methodist minister, so Christianity has been a part of his life, and yet, he seems to question the existence of God as though his own doubts are being expressed through his poetry.
