Nov 14, 2009

Across Five Aprils | Social Sensitivity

Hunt introduces many social concerns relevant to the American Civil War. She addresses the issues tactfully and without prejudice. At the beginning of the novel, young Jethro and his brothers eagerly await the war, anticipating "loud brass music and shining horses, men riding like kings." They understand that men will die, but imagine the casualties as "shadowy men from distant parts who would die for the pages of future history books." They soon realize that there is no glory in war, a point that Hunt stresses throughout the story. Death strikes at home when Tom dies in battle

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