Florida imagery
The imagery of Florida is introduced by contrast, to signal the importance of the novel's setting. For Bob, it is a perfect domain for a new and exciting experience of life. For the reader, it is a perfect chance to explore the complexities of American politics. Bob's thirst for life is an inversion of Eddie's distaste for life. Bob sees the challenges of the Floridian economy through the lens of his New Englander tendency to be a hustler, but Eddie sees it as essentially hopeless.
Political imagery
The imagery of politics is subtle but present. When Bob's inner thought life turns to race, there is political commentary there by the novelist, because Bob's point of view exposes a particular kind of naivete stemming from access to opportunity. In general, Bob has opportunities whenever he needs them, so he does not understand the moral complexity of Vanise's situation, nor does he empathize with Marguerite—he acts sociopathically toward her, leaving her to raise a child alone in a traditional and conservative environment.
Globalization
The imagery of globalization was isolated by critics as one of the novel's most important contributions. Whether in the inverse symbolism of Continental Drift or in the depictions of criminal coyote operations, the book seems to focus on the convergence of many different economies and political situations, using Bob's naivete as a touchstone. The novelist is presenting a somewhat pessimistic point of view, suggesting that first world privilege will tend to make people handle globalization in rather clumsy and ethical ways.
Guilt and innocence
The imagery of guilt and innocence also defines the book, as several crimes are committed and discussed throughout the novel. Our dual protagonists are each offered opportunities to make money illegal, but for Vanise, it is truly life or death because of the Haitian economy and the feminist issues still present there, whereas for Bob, it is voluntary and his motivation is primarily economic profit. Vanise is shown in an innocent light, despite her long list of criminal actions, and Bob is shown as guilty, despite his history of being a basically average guy.
