Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Unwind, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Inequality, Injustice, and the Law
Anger, Violence, and Radicalization
Activism, Compassion, and Atonement
Morality and Perspective
Summary
Analysis
Holding his temper in the bathroom is the most difficult thing Connor has ever done. He wants to pummel Roland, but he knows that Risa is right about Roland wanting a fight. Connor also heard that Roland made a makeshift knife, and he suspects that if the opportunity arises for Roland to stab him, Roland will make it look like self-defense. Part of Connor hates his new pattern of behavior, but the other side of him loves exercising this power. He knows that he’s manipulating Roland into being nice to Risa, but he also knows that soon, Roland will figure it out.
As Connor begins to recognize that what he’s doing is powerful, he becomes increasingly comfortable stepping into a leadership role. Protecting Risa is the first step in this, as he effectively makes sure that those in his inner circle don’t suffer at the hands of other bullies. Tempering his anger, in this sense, makes Connor both a better and a more powerful person.
Themes
