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Chapter 4
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Severance, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Capitalism and Autonomy
Immigrant Identity
Consumerism
Corporate Power and Sexism
Urban Ecologies
Summary
Analysis
Back in New York before the End, Candace sits across the desk from Michael Reitman, CEO of Spectra and Steven’s brother, interviewing for a job. Michael is skeptical of Candace at first, having seen many people pursue the position in the past due to their interest in art without understanding that the work is far more focused on project management and material design. Michael notices that she took a year off college to work and asks about it. Candace mentions her mother was sick, which seems to resonate with Michael, a “family man.” Candace assures him she is thorough and likes routine. Michael brings in Blythe, and Candace realizes she has been offered the job. Blythe tells her they will travel to Shenzhen in a few weeks to check in on a print run.
The family connection between Michael and Steven points to the strength of their hold on power and the near impossibility of an outsider like Candace to work her way up to their level. Candace “plays the game” to try to join their ranks and gain some power for herself despite being aware that the cards of the game are effectively stacked against her. What other choice does she have, if she wants to survive?
Active
Themes
