Wells draws attention to the offensiveness of sexist language through the patronizing attitude of a policeman who calls Helen "Honey." Helen resents this, especially when she realizes that the policeman has treated her male companion in a more respectful manner. In another situation, Helen chides Pinky for making "a male chauvinist pig remark." Although this is not a central theme of the book, Wells makes her point effectively within the context of the story.

Violence is handled gently. The initial scene at the accident caused by a rock thrown through the windshield of the car is described in enough detail to depict the seriousness and senselessness of the crime, but the accident victims are not seriously hurt. There is a threat of harm to Helen throughout the book, but no actual violence takes place. Indeed, the threat is implied through words to a song. The potential...