Across Five Aprils

In Across Five Aprils, Jethro writes to President Lincoln, expressing his concerns and seeking guidance. Lincoln's thoughtful and encouraging responses highlight his empathy and patience, providing...

In Across Five Aprils, Wilse is firmly on the side of Southern independence, claiming that the South should be able to live as it chooses, while Bill recognizes the right and wrong on both sides,...

Ellen forgoes coffee due to its high cost, leading to severe headaches. Despite trying to abstain, the pain becomes unbearable, highlighting her dependency. Her husband, Matt, eventually sends their...

The main themes in Across Five Aprils include the impact of war on families and the coming-of-age journey amid conflict. Central characters include Jethro Creighton, who matures as he faces the...

Jethro's encounters with Guy Wortman reveal his strong family loyalty and understanding of the complexities of war. Despite societal pressure and Wortman's hostility, Jethro defends his brother...

A story's mood raises emotions in its readers. As Jethro drives back from Newton, having been involved in an ugly, insulting scene with Guy Wortman in the general store, the mood of Across Five...

Internal conflicts in "Across Five Aprils" include Jethro's struggle with his brother Bill's decision to fight for the Confederacy, despite their Illinois Union roots, and Jethro's personal growth...

In Across Five Aprils, the Creightons are labeled "copperheads" due to their Southern sympathies during the Civil War. This term was used derogatorily to describe Northern Democrats who opposed the...

In Across Five Aprils, Jethro aids his cousin Eb, a deserter, by providing him with food and supplies. This act of compassion puts Jethro at risk of being accused of aiding a deserter, which could...

Jethro's emotional state evolves significantly throughout the Civil War. Initially, he holds a romantic view of war, influenced by music and uniforms. This changes as he faces the harsh reality of...

The letter makes the hardship Tom and Eb face at Fort Donelson vividly real.

In Across Five Aprils, the Battle of Gettysburg is portrayed as a pivotal event with significant impact on the characters. Suspicion of conspiracy arises when some characters speculate that Union...

Jethro compares his father, Matt Creighton, to Abraham Lincoln due to their shared caution and restraint. Both men face criticism: Matt for intervening to prevent a mob from lynching Travis Burdow,...

In "Across Five Aprils," Sam Gardiner, owner of the general store, defends young Jethro Creighton against Guy Wortman, who taunts Jethro about his brother Bill joining the Confederates. Wortman,...

Dave Burdow assists Jethro's family in Across Five Aprils by protecting Jethro from an ambush and later sending logs to help rebuild their barn after it was burned down. His actions demonstrate his...

In Across Five Aprils, Jenny Creighton goes to Washington, DC, to see her beloved, Shadrach Yale, who has been wounded at Gettysburg and lies near death in a Washington hospital.

Jethro learns from Bill at Walnut Hill that Bill is leaving to fight for the Confederacy, despite the family's Union support. Bill had a severe argument with their brother John over their differing...

Wilse brings news from Kentucky, updating the Creighton family on relatives' lives, including deaths, weddings, and births. He also discusses the looming Civil War, noting that Kentucky might support...

Jethro's decision after the war to pursue education rather than continue farming highlights the Creightons' values of hard work, family, and education. Initially, Jethro returns to farming,...

Matt Creighton's quote, "This war is a beast with long claws," signifies the extensive and destructive impact of the Civil War. It affects not only those fighting but also families and communities,...

Most of the generals and battles were from the Civil War. Other wars are mentioned, but most did not involve Shad or his family. There were also some battles that probably were not fought such as the...

The Battles of Fredericksburg and Stones River have a discouraging impact on Union soldiers and supporters. Despite a technical victory at Stones River, both battles resulted in heavy casualties,...

In spring 1862, the Creightons face two major misfortunes: their barn is burned down by locals angry that Bill fights for the South, and Tom dies in battle. These events deeply affect Jeth, leading...

Jethro has a close and affectionate relationship with his mother, Ellen, in Across Five Aprils. They share a bond that resembles a sibling relationship, often joking together. For instance, Jethro...

Jethro calls his mother "Ms. Creighton" in a light-hearted and teasing manner, mimicking his older brothers who also jest in this way. This playful address reflects his contentment and happiness...

In the fall of 1862, Northern sentiments about the Civil War were marked by growing doubt and disillusionment with leadership. Initially respected, General McClellan's strategies were questioned...