One of the most important themes in the novel is colonialism, specifically the point at which two cultures clash. Given that the modern audience understands the historical context of European colonialism in North America, this adds an additional element of dramatic irony. When local peoples are worried about losing their culture by accepting Christianity, for instance, and the priests assure them that this will not happen, the audience knows the priests are wrong. This historical context makes the theme of colonialism more tragic and poignant.

At the beginning of the text, the colonial project is in its early stages. The settlers have formed small fortifications but not yet colonies in a true sense. Two Frenchmen cast envious eyes toward the Dutch and British colonies, which are further ahead in terms of establishing a presence in this unknown land. However, colonialism is not only an institutional concern for the characters. The Europeans and the local people seem to have unilaterally exclusive belief systems. While the local people do not care much if the Jesuits practice Christianity (they will not try to convert them), the same cannot be said of the Jesuits.