THEMES

The most powerful theme of Across Five Aprils is the bond of family. The loving relationships between the Creightons are a constant presence. Hunt also chooses a theme that shows how perceptions of the war can vary. There is a difference between the politics of war and the realities of war; between the newspaper accounts and the first hand accounts. Two minor themes are the power of the Presidency and the importance of justice and forgiveness. The second is even exemplified by the first - Lincoln does not waver because of gossip and public opinion, but remains even-handed and compassionate.

MOOD

There is a feeling of gravity and melancholy that naturally accompanies the unpredictability of war. The story of Jethro Creighton, however adds the feeling of determination. Working the land, being subject to Nature’s whims and twists of fate, makes Jethro accepting of his lot and not expectant of anything more. He expects hardship, feeling that it has a purpose. It is this attitude that helps him contend with the losses he experiences because of the war. His determination is rewarded when the final paragraph allows the melancholy to be replaced by hope for the future.

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