Masterplots II: Juvenile and Young Adult Fiction Series © 1991 by Salem Press, Inc. Essay by Frankie Hendrixson Kinnard Themes and Meanings The title I Am the Cheese gets its meaning from the children’s song “The Farmer in the Dell.” Adam’s father tells him how lucky the family is to have a song of its own. They frequently sing the song in its progression to the conclusion— “the cheese stands alone.” It is this line that suggests the theme of the book: Adam Farmer stands alone. Strong family ties are evident throughout the story. Adam’s father submits to the plan to change his identity and his life in order to protect his family. Adam’s mother clearly loves her husband and her son, and she gives up any life she might have had for fear of bringing attention to the family. Adam feels strong love and loyalty to his father and his mother. Under questioning, even though he is given truth serum, he sublimates some details because he thinks there is a chance that his father may be alive, and he fears that revealing that Mr. Grey was the killer of his mother might endanger his chances for survival. Crime, politics, and law also provide themes. References to the crimes that Adam’s father has uncovered are vague. It is noted, however, that they are serious crimes and that important people are involved. These people may, in fact, be “insiders” who are working for the government. The reason that Mr. Grey wanted Anthony Delmonico (David Farmer) and his family terminated is not revealed, but the questioning leads to the suspicion that Mr. Farmer may have known too much about the insiders. Context Cormier does not offer a happy ending to I Am the Cheese. Adam is never sure whether Brint is friend or foe, but he displays the natural desire of a young adolescent to trust and believe adults. Even though he never tells all he knows of his parents’ “accident,” his innocence and sincerity as he tells of his journey to find his father are in direct contrast to the devious questioning of Brint. Brint’s evil intent is exposed in the last tape when he coldly recommends that Subject A (Adam) be terminated or that his drugged condition be sustained until he is obliterated.