themes

  • desire n destruction

  • reality vs illusion

  • madness n mental health

  • class conflict n social status

  • sexuality and gender roles

  • power n control

  • loneliness n isolation

  • violence n cruelty

  • old south vs new south/significance of cultural differences

  • secrets n lies

  • insecurity

  • conflict

  • inequality

  • changing social attitudes

  • death n mortality