It illustrates prósperos power over Ariel
You could argue that this is an indication of Walter Cunningham's severe poverty. He is very poor, and poor people did not have access to sweets or treats such as molasses syrup, so when he was offered it he deemed it appropriate to drench his entire lunch in it.
The powers of the national government are limited
The people should judge the people, not a king, queen, or judge.
