Though a widow, Atia is by no means resigned to celibacy and spinsterhood. At 22, as her aunt constantly reminds her, she is verging on spinsterhood. Tall, plain Olivia is rescued from spinsterhood by the smart and handsome Malcolm Foxworth. Women who have cats have long been associated with the concept of spinsterhood. The novel's themes include spinsterhood, racism, sexual tension and public humiliation during the late 1950s.