Sacrifice

Sacrifice is an important theme in the film and in life. Sacrifices are made for many reasons, but the strongest is for love or the pursuit of love. Many sacrifices are made during the course of Sling Blade. Linda sacrifices herself to Doyle for the sake of having a relationship. Karl sacrifices himself for Frank and Linda to free them from the hateful Doyle.

Linda believes that her relationship with Doyle will eventually bring her love. However, Doyle's hateful attitude and mistreatment of Linda and Frank lets the viewer know that her hopes of love will never be met with Doyle. If anything, her life will turn out in a way she will despise. Doyle is a mean, abusive man and everyone, but Linda, seems to realize this. She continues to sacrifice everything in her life for a relationship with Doyle.

Eventually, Karl sacrifices himself for Linda and...