James Coleman
Themes
Perseverance
Perseverance is a major theme in this book because Westover had to endure many trials and hardships in order to succeed. Her family did not support her nor did the culture she grew up in. Her perseverance is what pushed her beyond her limits and led her to accomplish things that she never would have imagined to be possible.
The right to an education
Westover insists over and over that each person should have the right to an education. Each education is different, which is what makes our world so unique. Westover was denied a proper education until she was 17, which is why she is such a strong advocate for it now. She does not want others to have to go through the same struggle that she did.
Independence
When Tara Westover was able to break free of the constraints of her family, she discovered a whole new world that she had never even imagined. Her independence started when she began to defy her father, and then really came when she left to attend BYU. Independence can be terrifying, but Westover is proof that it is worth it and that one will learn lessons from independence that they never would have learned otherwise.
Control
Control is a major theme in this book in many ways. Westover is under the control of her father for all of her early years. He exercises his will over everyone in the family because, being the man, he is in control. Then, the type of control changes. It becomes a mental battle for Westover. She must learn to control her mind and believe in herself and her voice in order to pursue the education that she desires. She reminds her readers that they have control over their mind, and can conquer any fear.