In this excerpt, Stratton uses rhetorical questions and syntax to develop the novel’s underlying them of the ignorance and shaming the society this novel is placed in has towards people with AIDS and what it can lead them to doing. Stratton uses two situations as an instance to convey his message and it’s level of severity. As seen Jonah has been presumed to have committed suicide due to him finding out he has caught the disease. Also, Emmanuel’s death was behind the same reason and cause as Jonah’s. Which is having caught AIDS and fearing the reaction of their community, in addition to the fear of not receiving any love, acceptance or support from anyone. “But we both know the truth. Jonah threw himself down that well -- or got thrown down
