Power

The novel displays a constant struggle for power. The rivalry between Theo and Xan is initiated by a rivalry between their mothers. Mrs. Faron was jealous of her sister, who married a Baronet and lived in a mansion. This tainted Theo's perspective, and when he first visited Woolcombe he believed Xan would make him stay in the servant's quarters.

From this beginning, the pair shared a love and hate relationship brought on by a feeling of competition. Theo was surprised to discover he was a better shooter than Xan. He also remembers a conversation between their grandparents, who wondered whether Theo would go further than Xan in the end. This sets the pair against each other in the reader's mind and foreshadows the moment when Theo shoots Xan and effectively takes his place as the Warden of England.

The role of Warden of England represents ultimate power in...