One of the themes highlighted in The Loons by Margaret Lawrence is racism. When Dr. MacLeod invites Piquette Tonnerre to their home in Diamond Lake, his grandmother is hesitant to welcome the young girl because she is half Indian and half French.

Another theme that is highlighted in the book is alcoholism. Piquette’s family is described as one that hardly works and drinks most of the time. When Piquette’s marriage fails, she ends up being an alcoholic like the rest of her family members. Piquette and her children die in a house fire. Piquette was drunk.

Cultural conflict is also a theme that is manifested in the book. When Piquette goes to Diamond Lake, she is not willing to adopt the ways of the white people. Vanessa is intrigued by Piquette and is eager to learn about nature and the ways of the Indian people. Despite helping with housework, Piquette refuses to engage in fun activities that are associated with white people such as swimming.

Social class also is a theme that is revealed in the novel. Piquette’s family lives in poverty while Vanessa, her counterpart, resides in a middle-class neighborhood. Piquette ends up longing for a lavish life and marries an Englishman. She dresses in a sophisticated manner and behaves differently. When her marriage fails, she ends up living as a poor person.