The novel depicts the devastating impact of relentless bullying through physical abuse, cruel pranks, and social ostracization that Carrie endures at school, showing the brutal reality of teenage cruelty and its lasting consequences.

Through Carrie's mother Margaret White, the story explores how religious extremism can manifest as physical and emotional abuse, trapping Carrie in fear and self-loathing while distorting the concept of love.

Carrie's telekinetic abilities represent both salvation and destruction, initially offering hope but ultimately becoming destructive when fueled by rage and pain, demonstrating the dangerous allure of power.