Content warning: This section of the guide discusses sexual assault, graphic violence, and murder.

While only some characters justify putting their violent thoughts into action, all major characters consider violence at various points throughout the novel. In most instances, the justification for violence stems from self-preservation. However, certain characters demonstrate a lapse in morality when wanting to harm others out of spite or their selfish desires. The novel ultimately suggests that most violence is unwarranted regardless of the justification but presents self-defense as justifiable.

Lily violently hits Jake on the head with a rock twice to stop his attack and get away from him. Christian justifies that Lily “did so in self-defense” (90-91). Christian worries about how incriminating the altercation appears for Lily, highlighting the unfairness of the situation. Jake initiated the violence by sexually assaulting her. Even though Lily hurt Jake, the novel suggests through one of its moral mouthpieces, Christian, that she did so justifiably in self-defense.

However, Christian’s thoughts of violence develop as his moral compass deteriorates. Christian goes further than justifying Lily’s violent actions when he asserts: “I like to think he died slowly. That it was painful. That he suffered” (117). Christian’s dark thoughts surprise him, revealing his potential to consider brutality.