Minor Themes

Communication:

"Longstreet felt a surge of emotion. He wanted to reach out and touch the old man [Lee], but that was impossible. You could not show affection here, no place for it here." (p.288)

"It was all set and fated like the coming of the bloody head, the darned rising of the damned sun, and nothing to do, no way to prevent it." (p.291) Simile.

JacksonÂ’s Absence:

" ‘What is Ewell up to? In God’s name, can he follow no order at all?" (p.288)

Human Nature (Optimism):

"They might break through, it was possible." [this from Longstreet] (p.294)

Human Nature (Shirk responsibility):

Longstreet relying upon AlexanderÂ’s judgement to give the order to begin the attack.

Human Nature (Anticipation):

" ‘It’s the waiting, sir, you know?’ " (p.300)

Catch-22:

"There is one thing you can do. You can resign now and refuse to lead it. I cannot even refuse, I cannot even back away, I cannot leave him to fight it alone, theyÂ’re my people, my boys. God help me, I canÂ’t even quit."

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