Part 5/8:
An important thematic element is Nicholas’s interaction with the criminal justice system post-release. His encounters with parole officers hint at the constant scrutiny he faces and the harsh realities of living under surveillance. The officer's stern warnings about curfew and compliance with regulations serve as reminders of how easily freedom can slip away due to a single misstep.
Nicholas's determination to stay on the right path is commendable, but it also portrays the overwhelming pressure ex-convicts face. The fear of returning to prison looms large, often manifesting in anxiety and a deep-rooted need to prove oneself to a society that may not give him a second chance.