Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned Themes & Symbolism

Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned Significant Topics

Redemption

Redemption can be found throughout the book. Socrates, the main character, has spent twenty-seven years in prison for a violent crime that he committed. The legal system punished him for his crimes, but they did not attempt to rehabilitate him. While in prison, he committed more violent crimes than he committed before his incarceration. The Capricorn bookstore is what led Socrates to redemption, not prison.

He is definitely a reformed man. He is now perceptive, compassionate and persuasive. Once he only acted on impulse, but now he reasons out what is right and what is wrong. He tries to do the right thing, and he guides others to make the right decisions through questions and rebuttals.

While talking with Oscar Minette, Socrates admits that most of his problems have stemmed from not knowing what is right. Now that he has discovered the art of debate at Capricorns, he is capable...
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