Smith masterfully uses language as both a weapon and a shield. In a world increasingly defined by division and suspicion, words become both a tool for control and a means of resistance. The novel explores how language shapes our understanding of the world and how it can be used to subvert and challenge oppressive systems.

Amidst the starkness of their reality, the children in "Gliff" find solace and hope in the natural world. Nature becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and enduring beauty, offering a stark contrast to the artificiality and hostility of their surroundings. This theme explores the intrinsic connection between humanity and the natural world, and the vital role it plays in our survival, both physical and emotional.

At its core, "Gliff" is a story about the human need to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. Confronted with an unsettling present and an uncertain future, the characters grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and the very nature of reality. Through their experiences, Smith invites us to consider the ways in which we construct meaning in our own lives and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.