The novel challenges traditional freedom and responsibility by depicting a world where individual agency is severely limited under totalitarian regimes. It questions the concept of free will in a deterministic universe, as seen through the use of the I Ching and the characters' reliance on fate. The novel's exploration of determinism versus libertarianism highlights the tension between the belief in a predetermined future and the human desire to shape one's destiny. Characters like Juliana embody the latter, taking risks and defying the system, while others, like Frank, adhere to determinism, accepting their roles within the oppressive state. The novel also critiques the idea of obedience as a means to security, suggesting that it comes at the cost of personal freedom and moral responsibility. The novel ultimately suggests that true freedom lies in the ability to make choices, even in the face of overwhelming odds and a seemingly predetermined future.