Aristocracy v. Commoner

A major theme in "Parrot & Olivier in America" is that of the difference between the aristocrat and the commoner. The two main characters and narrators present this theme in their different identities as Olivier is a French noble while Parrot is an English servant who was orphaned at a young age. The beginning of the novel demonstrates the differences in their upbringings as an aristocrat and a commoner. The difference between the two of them can also be seen in their opinions of the king; Olivier feels it is his duty to protect the king despite his disapproval of the king's actions while Parrot could not care less. Olivier is sent to America to protect him from the political environment and his possible execution while Parrot is persuaded to accompany Olivier as his servant and a spy for Tilbot and the Comtesse de Garmont. On the...