The narrative strips away the character’s naive assumptions about justice and safety.

The character is often forced to choose between self-preservation and their ethical compass.

Summer emphasizes that adulthood is defined by the burden of choice and the inability to return to a state of ignorance. Internal Conflict and Moral Ambiguity

The recurring motif of "firsts" throughout the text serves as a structural device to mark the protagonist's descent (or ascent) into a new life.