Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Night Watchman, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Power, Solidarity, and Community Action
Oppression and Supposed Good Intentions
Humor and Pain
Sex, Violence, and Gender
Agency and Exploitation
Summary
Analysis
When it comes time to form the group to go to Washington, D.C., people are reluctant and need coaxing. At first, the group is only Juggie Blue, Thomas, and Millie Cloud. They drive to the jewel bearing plant and eventually convince Patrice to come too. At Patrice’s house, Millie takes notes when Zhaanat explains the plants that she collects, and then Patrice takes notes when Millie talks about how she went to college and obtained a scholarship.
While the community has been vital in fighting against the Termination Bill, that community isn’t presented in utopian terms. When it comes time to go to Washington, D.C., Thomas has trouble finding volunteers. Eventually, though, after some convincing, Thomas is able to put together a group to go.
Themes
