Minor Themes

SoldierÂ’s Past Experiences:

"He [Lee] remembered that night in Arlington when the news came: succession. When we heard the news we went into mourning. But outside there was cheering in the streets, bonfires of joy." (p.262-3)

Duty:

"He was a member of an army that would march against his home, his sons. He was not only to serve in it but to lead it, to make the plans and issue the orders to kill and burn and ruin. He could not do that...could not raise his hand against his own." (p.263)

Idealism vs. Realism:

"So it was no cause and no country he fought for, no ideal and no justice. He fought for his people, for the children and the kin." (p.263)

Human Nature:

Lee wanted to reassure him, but he waited, giving it time to sink it, to take effect, like medicine." (p.266) Simile.

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