Conformity
A huge part of adolescence is the pressure to conform, and Margaret feels that pressure more strongly than ever after she moves to New Jersey. As the new girl in her public school, she tries extremely hard to fit in and find her place, and as a result of peer pressure does some things she might not normally do; for instance, she helps to "initiate" the new teacher, Mr. Benedict, with tricks and pranks. She also feels the pressure to conform in religious matters; because it isn't normal for a girl her age not to have a faith, she feels that she needs to select one as soon as possible in order to be like everyone else.