Across Five Aprils - Itasca Middle School
Across Five Aprils - Itasca Middle School
Across Five Aprils - Itasca Middle School
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Themes, Motifs, and Symbols 11<br />
Themes<br />
THEMES, MOTIFS, AND SYMBOLS<br />
The Capriciousness of Public Opinion<br />
Every time Hunt describes a newspaper article or the general opinion about a battle or<br />
decision, she shows us just how erratic and extreme the public opinion can be. The public<br />
opinion alternately reveres and devastates every general involved in the war effort. It also<br />
both criticizes and compliments the president. The public thinks that the North will win<br />
the war, then suddenly they believe the South will win it. The public opinion contributes<br />
to the general fatigue of the war, as everyone’s intensities are drawn out by what they hear<br />
from others. Hunt also draws a distinction between peoples’ real motivations and their<br />
motivations according to the newspapers. All of the public figures are human, but the way<br />
in which the public reacts to them almost suggests that they are not.<br />
The Power of the Presidency<br />
Jethro and Ross Milton, among others, secure their faith ultimately in the president. The<br />
Northern army swaps generals, the war ebbs and flows, the citizens fall victim to the back and<br />
forth of gossip and public opinion, but the one constant is Abraham Lincoln. His constancy<br />
is of great personal significance to Jethro when they exchange letters, and Lincoln reveals<br />
the same issue that plagued Jethro troubled him. Lincoln commends Jethro on seeking out<br />
what was right and reminds Jethro that even in the midst of war, people must continue to<br />
value rightness as most important. Lincoln, indirectly, rescues Eb. He provides a way for<br />
Southern deserters to rejoin the Union without penalty. He does not want to enter into war<br />
but knows he must and remains steadfast in his decision. When everyone else falters with<br />
worry and when everyone doubts the war effort and that any good can come of it, there is<br />
still the president, firm and proud.<br />
The Importance of Redemption and Forgiveness<br />
Grudges are especially dangerous during wartime. Hatred and anger seem to prevail, and<br />
Hunt emphasizes the Creightons’ ability to forgive. Matt persuades the town not to hurt<br />
or kill Travis Burdow, who killed his own daughter. The Creightons forgive Mr. Burdow,<br />
who redeems himself by helping Jethro and by sending materials to rebuild the barn. John<br />
forgives Bill and talks to him as a brother while they are on different sides of the war. The<br />
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