Although Saturnalia is a historical novel, Fleischman, nevertheless, addresses one of the profoundest questions facing modern society. On the one hand, how do we maintain cultural distinctions and differences; and on the other hand, how do we meld all our exciting diversities into a peaceful and harmonious whole?

William wishes to cling to his Indian heritage. He is contemptuous of the harsh Christianity that Mr. Baggot represents. Yet, he recognizes Mr. Currie's virtues and compassion and is grateful for his kindness. He realizes that the coming of the "coatmen," as his Indian kinsman calls the Englishmen, represents the tide of Western Civilization with all of its good qualities as well as its bad ones. To strike a balance, William discovers, is neither easy, simple, nor painless.