What is the main theme of Across Five Aprils and why?

I would argue that the main theme of the story is the effect that war has upon ordinary people. A casual glance at a history book might give us the impression that war is all about epic battles, glory, and acts of heroism. But there's another side to war, a much darker side in which the lives of innocent civilians are disrupted and destroyed. It is this side of war that is the main focus of Across Five Aprils.

In keeping with the book's perspective, we're never given any detailed firsthand descriptions of battle. Instead, the Civil War takes place at some distance from the Creightons and their neighbors, yet it still touches them deeply. Even in this quiet, remote corner of rural Illinois, it's impossible to escape the often horrific consequences of war.

On the home front, war undermines communities, turning people who had previously lived peaceably together against each other. Some members of the local community have got it into their heads that Jethro's brother Bill has joined up to fight for the Confederates. This wholly unfounded rumor makes the Creightons the object of suspicion. Some of their neighbors show their displeasure at what they perceive as the Creightons' treachery by setting their barn on fire. The message conveyed by this unpleasant episode is clear: though war can often inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things, it can also incite basically decent people to do things they would never normally do.

Who is the main character in Across Five Aprils?

Jethro Creighton is the story's protagonist. Across Five Aprils is his coming-of-age story, detailing his difficult transition to manhood during a crucial period in American history.

As with most boys of his age, Jethro initially thinks that war is just an awfully big game, full of glamor and excitement. But his whole attitude undergoes a profound change as the harsh realties of war hit home.

After his father dies, he is forced to take on the role of head of the house while his brothers are away fighting. Although Jethro never experiences the horrors of war directly, he does still suffer enormous emotional pain through constantly worrying about the fate of his loved ones. Add to that the fact that his education is disrupted, turning his whole life upside-down.

All in all, the Civil War is a very difficult experience for Jethro to have to endure, but it does at least give him considerable wisdom and experience.