Community members determine an individual's social standing and identity through their personal judgements.

When gossip spreads, a person should defend their reputation, no matter the consequences.

Sometimes fear prevents people from taking action, but it can also push them to take risks.

Seeking revenge for violence is the best way to ensure justice and create lasting peace.

Killing another person, even in self-defense, is morally wrong, since all human life is valuable.

‘Ah didn’t wanna shoot him but he made me do it. He’s a dirty coward, jumpin’ on a man from behind.’” (Paragraph 35)

“‘The thing got Spunk so nervoused up he couldn’t shoot.’” (Paragraph 42)

“‘he claimed somebody pushed ‘im but ‘twant nobody close to ‘im.’” (Paragraph 46)

“‘If spirits kin fight, there’s a powerful tussle goin’ on somewhere ovah Jordan ‘cause Ah b’leeve Joe’s ready for Spunk’” (Paragraph 57)

“The women… wondered who would be Lena’s next. The men whispered coarse conjectures” (Paragraph 60)

By the end of the story, Elijah thinks Joe is strong for facing off against Spunk, which reinforces the importance of facing one's fears.

Elijah believes that Joe is stupid for trying to kill Spunk, which conveys the message that rash decisions are the most dangerous.

Eventually, Elijah views Joe as brave for attacking Spunk despite his fear, which supports the idea that an individual’s reputation is at the whim of public opinion.

After Joe attacks Spunk from behind, Elijah views Joe as cowardly, which demonstrates the concept that courage can only exist in the presence of fear.