I think that there's a very strong case to be made that a major underlying theme of The Long Walk is toxic masculinity and how patriarchy pushes young men to destructive behavior. The Walk is explicitly stated to be boys only, and a recurring question in the narrative is "why are they doing this if they don't have to and it will almost certainly get them killed."

[–] JoeByeThen@hexbear.net 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Ah yea, there was a lot of time spent on backstories, but I'm afraid I can't remember any of them. I kinda remember a strong father figure vibe projected towards the general though, right? With a mix of how the contestants responded to that. Some of it love/eager to please, others rebellious.

spoiler

Shit, I think one of them was his kid, weren't they? The MC, or one the last few?🤔

[–] BeanisBrain@hexbear.net 3 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

I kinda remember a strong father figure vibe projected towards the general though, right?

Oh, 100%.

spoiler

The general's kid isn't the protagonist, but he is (IIRC) the last to fall (leaving the protagonist the winner).