The themes covered in the novel, including the psychological effects of racism on black people and the refusal of white people to address the issue of race, reinforce the idea that psychological inferiority, much like white and black identity, are creations that perpetuate a society that will benefit one group and work to destroy the other. Without the moral conscience and responsibility of the leaders of American society, the relationship of African Americans with the United States will continue to be spiritual, psychological and physical.