While the social themes and issues linked to Ruby's development include stasis, conservatism, violence, and patriarchy, the "Convent" in the novel serves as a complete counterpoint to these elements, much like the iceberg and the Titanic in Thomas Hardy's poem "The Convergence of the Twain." A significant portion of the plot in Paradise involves the reader deciphering the reasons behind the Ruby men's violent attack on the Convent, aiming to either kill or expel the "convent women" (each motive seems plausible at different points in the story). A central theme explores how these two locations contrast with each other, creating a dialogue on several topics. These include austerity versus hedonism, fixity versus freedom, stasis versus dynamism, rationalism versus mystery and magic, and, most importantly, patriarchy versus what a newcomer to the Convent (Pallas) refers to as "blessed malelessness." The Convent, as a vibrant community of women, becomes seen by Ruby's leaders as both a challenge and an insult, eventually turning into a scapegoat for their failed societal construction. This ultimately leads to a horrific act of violence aimed at eradicating it.