Immortal Consequences

The novel explores the adolescent urge to transgress imposed rules, framing this as part of the natural transition from the tightly regulated sphere of childhood into the self-determined adult world. In doing so, the narrative follows the conventions of young adult literature, which cathartically rehearses the liminal concerns and experiences of adolescents, often through allegorical parallels. Immortal Consequences’ fantasy setting of adolescent rebellion within a morally ambiguous universal power structure helps to frame these transgressions as a rite of passage into ethical self-determinism. The “transitory nature of purgatory” is an allegory for the transitional experience of young adulthood.

The novel presents continual examples of adolescent transgression and rebellion, including cursing, breaking curfew and trespassing, alcohol consumption, forbidden spells, and misappropriation. While providing entertainment and thrill for the reader, the main narrative purpose of rebelliousness is to underpin a willingness to challenge arbitrary authority. The theme is established immediately, when the students’ first action is to break curfew in order to satisfy their “curiosity” about Louise’s arrival, in Chapters 1-4. As this is the first situation in which the six main characters are seen together, this theme is also used to link them, prefiguring their status as surviving nominees and key characteristics—curiosity, courage, independent thought, and initiative—which enable them to overcome the trials.