David Brin presents several messages in this novel, not all of them in the form of clear opinions or stances. The most obvious message is that social identity is a product of one’s interactions with society. The main character, Gordon Krantz, becomes “the Postman” when he dons the uniform and enters the town of Cottage Grove. Although Gordon worries throughout the novel about the false image that he is presenting, he continues to play the role, past the end of the novel, and people continue to treat him as a representative of past and future organized societies.

Gordon’s emotions toward Dena Spurgen are mixed, even though he admires her intelligence and they become lovers. The primary messages that the character Dena Spurgen embodies as a feminist are twofold. Her letter calls for women to judge men and eliminate the bad ones, giving women an air of higher moral authority. Her efforts in the war with the Holnists also emphasize the theme throughout the novel that with freedom comes duty. Dena is not a strongly developed character, and, except for Gordon Krantz, neither are any of the others. It is not unusual for authors to use poorly developed characters in science fiction as props for the true goals of the novel: an extrapolation of what human society might be like if a particular technology is developed and used.

John Stevens’ noble sacrifice of his life for an ideal is handled as a mixed message as well. Gordon, having recruited John as a postmaster and being aware that the “Restored United States” is a sham, feels guilt that John has lost his life attempting to rescue the mail. Yet, several times in the novel, Gordon puts his own life in danger in order to protect letters.

Brin also points out the value of knowing history, of understanding what has gone before; this important lesson is often taught in post-nuclear holocaust novels. The author also espouses the opinions that science benefits everyone (“especially the weak”) and that soldier-citizens who long to return to their civilian lives form the best type of military force for a nation.

The Postman is suitable for high school students. The vocabulary is challenging at times, and the fact that no clear resolution to the problems is presented invites discussion of the novel’s themes.