The novel’s major theme is the decline of the pioneer era, mirrored by the decline of Captain Forrester, who symbolizes the noble pioneer, and of Marian Forrester, whose warmth, graciousness, and lively spirit symbolize the essence of the old West. From the beginning of the story, the reader is told that Sweet Water, “one of those grey towns along the Burlington railroad, which are so much greyer today than they were then” (3), will suffer a downturn in prosperity in the span of the story. This happens, as Niel’s father and other townspeople fail in their endeavors and move away.

The Forresters, however, are shown to be thriving and prosperous. But Captain Forrester suffers economic ruin and increasing physical deterioration as the story goes on. Mrs. Forrester begins the story as a lively, charming young woman, but she’s slowly beaten down by her husband’s decline until she abandons her refined demeanor and cares only about making enough money to leave Sweet Water. Their trajectories embody the transition of the West over time. As the older pioneers aged and died, so did the wild, open land. With the land’s caretakers gone, there was no one to protect it from exploitation.