LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The 57 Bus, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Gender and Sexuality
Adolescent Crime vs. Adult Crime
Binary Thought and Inclusive Language
Discrimination and Social Justice
Accountability, Redemption, and Forgiveness
Summary
Analysis
Slater includes a letter written by Richard to Sasha. “Dear, Victum,” the letter reads, “I apologize for my actions.” In the letter, Richard tells Sasha that he is “not a monster,” and he has no idea why he did what he did. “I’m deeply sorry for my actions,” he says, “I think about what happened every second.” He takes responsibility for his actions, prays for Sasha’s recovery, and ends the letter “Love, Richard.”
Richard’s letter is proof that he takes responsibility for his actions and is remorseful of Sasha’s assault. The awkward nature of Richard’s letter and they way he misspells “victum” reflects his ignorance and young age.