The paradox of discrimination
The dramatic paradox in the novel is that Virgil is biracial, and his people in the Reservation discriminate against him. People living on the Reservation are Native Americans who are neglected by the American authorities in almost every aspect. Despite being considered an outcast, Virgil is the only hope for the community to restore justice.
The satire of the American justice system
The American criminal justice system is broken, and it is discriminative. The criminal activities taking place in Indian Reservation are intentionally unsolved. When people on the Reservation realize that the American authorities have neglected their security, they form a vigilante to care for their interests.
The irony of identity
Virgil has Native American roots, and he has no other home apart from the Reservation. Ironically, Virgil is biracial, and he faces discrimination from his people. Consequently, Virgil struggles with his identity because he does not understand why people dislike him. On the contrary, the same people who discriminate against Virgil desperately need his help restoring order.
The irony of the drug epidemic
The drug epidemic is a menace in the Reservation, and the government intentionally ignores the challenges people go through. Ironically, Virgil's nephew is caught in the mix of the criminal gangs selling heroin and opioid to the locals. When The tribal leaders consult Virgil to hunt down criminal gangs, he makes the difficult decision to track down his nephew.
