Throughout Broken April, Kadare frequently references “the custom” and “the rules” of the Kanun. Over the course of the novel, “custom” is used approximately 19 times and “rules” 24 times. The regular appearance of these words emphasizes the power the Kanun holds over the people of the High Plateau. After killing Zef, Gjorg questions his own actions, arguing with himself that: “He simply meant to follow the custom” (9). In this case, the custom of the Kanun supersedes Gjorg’s doubts. Later, when Gjorg himself is placed in the same position after being shot, he thinks, “God, according to the rules!” (215). With these motifs, Kadare gives explanation to the behavior of the mountaineers and villagers of the High Plateau. The repetition and frequency of these words also assists Kadare in developing his message on cultural traditions and violence: how they can control people’s lives and lead to endless cycles of death.

Kadare utilizes darkness to give the story a foreboding tone. Many scenes involve characters traveling at the turning point between day and night. The opening of the novel finds Gjorg shooting Zef at dusk, and he makes it home just before night takes hold.