The first major theme of the novel that is most evident is the nature of slavery itself. The horrors of slavery and the inhumane treatment of other human beings by slave owners are the root causes of the rebellion, as well as other rebellions. In this regard, the rebellion is not only seen as a reaction to inhumane treatment, but is a political act of rejecting the system of oppression and asserting one's identity and right to freedom through direct action.

The other major theme in the novel is black masculinity. The protagonist is a young, strong black male who is inspired by other black males that accomplished successful revolutions (e.g. Toussaint L’Ouverture). The centuries of oppression and physical enslavement against black people was a way for the slave owners to emasculate African and African-American men. By organizing and implementing an armed rebellion against the oppressors, the black males were able to regain their sense of identity as men. The masculinity regained is not limited to physical traits, but also the intellectual qualities of black men to create strategies. The fact that a large portion of the slaves brought to the Americas belong to warrior clans in West and Central Africa is often overlooked or forgotten. By organizing a rebellion, Gabriel reasserts his lineage as a warrior and thus literally and figuratively break the chains that designated him and his peers as simple "slaves."

The other major theme in the novel is the act of betrayal. Gabriel's organized rebellion falls apart due to internal betrayal. This shows that unity was and still is important in the African American community's strive for progress.