The bomb

The atomic bomb in this story is the constant sense of danger, of something that needs to be done, of something preventing the main characters from relaxing and entering into "real life." It is always present, a growing sense of urgency; and all of their actions are filtered through what they can do about the bomb.

Politics

The author is constantly referring to world politics in the story, to remind the reader that world is steadily changing and moving and evolving. In the decades that pass during this story, the world's attitudes towards race and women change drastically, technology improves, and world leaders rise and fall. Nothing stays the same, and the changes in the world affect us all.

Mathematics

Nombeko is a math whiz. From early in the story to its end, she is showing the reader her quick calculations and turning money into...