S.E. Hinton examines several themes throughout the novel That Was Then, This Is Now, but the most significant theme deals with relationships. She explores relationships—particularly Mark and Bryon's friendship, and Bryon and Cathy's romance. Hinton depicts how close friendships can dissipate over time, and romantic relationships can change. For the majority of the novel, Bryon and Mark are best friends who do everything together. As the novel progresses, Bryon falls in love with Cathy and begins to spend less time with Mark. Bryon also begins to realize Mark has no conscience and does not have an understanding of right and wrong. When Bryon finds out Mark has been selling pills, he calls the police on him. By the end of the novel, Mark and Bryon are no longer friends, and Mark says he hates Bryon. After Bryon calls the police on Mark, he is emotionally drained and breaks up with Cathy. Bryon once loved Cathy, but after his friendship with Mark ends, Bryon is no longer interested in her. Throughout the novel, Hinton depicts how traumatic events and difficult circumstances negatively affect relationships.
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