What can the reader identify as a theme in the China Princess’s words to Dorothy which is recurrent in the novel?

In context, we can infer that a major theme in this section is individualty.... that beauty is nothing more than something that should be placed on the mantle to look at. The China princess has no desire to go home with Dorothy where she will be protected, she doesn't want to exist on someone else's mantle for their pleasure.... she wants to live.