Card weaves into his tale a number of powerful questions. Questions like how a Zion community would be populated. The narrator later says that in spite of all he knows about Alvin and Calvin he simply doesn't know why Calvin turned out the way he did and suggests that those who really are ignorant but think they know are a sorry lot. It ain't a pretty package. . . But, of course, as AJ unfolds it seems clear that while those on the outside looking in see a poorly wrapped and tarnished package those inside, while living complicated and often harsh and painful lives, are living mighty pretty and exceptionally worthwhile ones as well when you get right down to the heart of the matter.
Card writes about community.
He uses concepts similar to those found in his Ender series such as philotic twining. In so doing he explores ideas that can be found at the core, deep within the doctrines of Mormonism. The imagery invoked when he ponders the matter brings to mind the Mormon concepts of leaving pre-earth life and heading out in mortality to be tried and schooled in becoming like God. Alvin must leave his home to learn how to become a Maker. Alvin plays the role of Creation's champion while Calvin appears to be casting himself as Unmaking's dark knight.