Multiple men in the novel have a sexual relationship or fantasize about one with a main character who is 17 years old. While this was much more commonplace at the time the novel was written, it may be uncomfortable for modern readers nonetheless. She is also sexualized throughout the book, and at one point works as a prostitute to pay for her father's funeral. The protagonist fantasizes about raping this same character multiple times, and at one point seems about to attempt it, but the fantasies aren't detailed and he never actually does it. During one of the final scenes of the novel, the protagonist witnesses an old man raping a young girl amid a mob. This is described in more detail. He fights the man off, only for her to be seized by another man and swept away.