Solomon masterfully constructs a multilayered society aboard the Matilda that mirrors historical systems of oppression. Through the stark division between upper and lower decks, the author explores how power structures maintain themselves through violence, religion, and rigid social stratification.

The character of Aster embodies a complex intersection of identity markers, from her neurodivergent perspective to her gender expression and racial identity. Through her experiences, the novel explores how individuals construct selfhood under oppressive conditions and how difference can be both a source of vulnerability and strength.

The narrative weaves together various forms of resistance, from small daily acts of defiance to the possibility of full-scale rebellion. Through Aster's scientific pursuits and quest for knowledge, the novel examines how understanding can become a form of resistance and how hope persists even in the most desperate circumstances.