Death

Within the novel, the theme of death is used to portray that it is an inevitable factor within everyday life, and that it must be confronted. This type of thematic use is shown in three different instances within the novel, the first is when Ted, as a child, becomes sick, when Mariana's daughter, Christina, becomes sick, and when Marty becomes closer to death.

In the instance of Ted's sickness, Marty learns that death is inevitable, but it is the first instance of a character trying to overtly fight it. Marty initially blames himself for the worsening of his child's condition. While he does realize that this type of thing happens, he decides to do something about it. Marty and Ted decide that they must fight the "demon," which they do and are successful. But through this, Marty does realize that death comes for all people, but...