In King's early novels, a recurring theme is the sacrifice of children—young individuals whose lives or innocence are offered up to satisfy the dark desires and unhealthy needs of adults. These narratives frequently portray distressing and premature rites of passage, set off by a dangerous dynamic between parents and children. In Jessie's case, her innocence and trust are shattered by the sexual abuse from her beloved father. Like many of King's other sacrificial children, Jessie has not escaped the impact of this abuse; instead, she has buried the memory. As a result, her growth as a woman is deeply affected as the romantic melody of "Tammy's in love" shifts to the looming sexual threat of "a woman likes it that way." Her emotional trauma is evident in her disinterest in pursuing a career, having children, or forming any deep, lasting relationships.

King taps into modern themes of women's silencing and lack of power, using a female monologue that slowly unearths memories. Characters such as Ruth, Goody Burlingame, Punkin, and other unnamed voices highlight both the suppression and expression of Jessie. These voices map out her internal world with imagery of shadowy forests, contaminated wells, and eclipses. They expose Jessie's dual nature, her fear of the uncharted parts of herself, and the "dark day" she has faced since her father abused her during the eclipse. Ultimately, these voices guide her towards freedom.

King's focus on the "monsters" lurking within the dark corners of the human soul, rather than the "monster" hiding in the closet or under the bed, distinguishes this novel from his other works. Although King's portrayal of the demons within Jessie's father is somewhat ambiguous, he vividly depicts Jessie's emotional ties to Gerald, Joubert, and her father. Joubert, a necrophile and grave desecrator, is a villain who perceives all people—both men and women—as mere objects for gratification and personal benefit. His dehumanizing actions against the dead reflect Gerald's "crimes" against Jessie, as well as her father's crime against her. Jessie remains paralyzed by fear and trapped until she recognizes these links. In King's psychological drama, psychic horror and fear lay Jessie bare—both figuratively and literally—forcing her to confront and uncover her true self, beyond civility, pretense, masks, or forgetfulness.