What is the actual thesis for Guy's decision to fly the hot air balloon in "A Wall of Fire Rising" by Edwidge Danticat?

Guy is fascinated with the balloon belonging to the family who owns the local sugar mill. There are a number of reasons both symbolic and literal for Guy stealing the balloon. Guy wants to sail the skies close to the moon. Both the balloon and the moon are symbolic of a better life. Guy wants to physically transcend his life of poverty and servitude. He wants to rise above a world that is filled with unfairness and suffering.