Themes and Characters
Truth finds herself at odds with the idea of being whisked away to North Carolina to reside with her mother's kin, rather than embarking on a westward journey to California with her cherished father. She understands his intentions—he is convinced that his battle with tuberculosis is coming to an end, and he has chosen this path for her so she will have family to care for her when he is no longer around. Inevitably, his predictions come true as he passes away during the course of the tale.
Truth is every bit the resolute heroine, her unwavering faith in God fortifying her as she navigates the turbulent waters of her reality. Among the first words to greet her in her new dwelling are that she is merely a "kettle cousin"—fit for no more than leftovers after others have had their fill—and a potential legal liability for the Bardwell family. Yet, despite the weight of Robert's disdain, the loneliness of leaving her Indiana friends behind, and the heartache of losing her father, Truth steels herself, determined to forge a life of dignity. Beatty artfully sidesteps the hackneyed trope of redemption through proving oneself to critics, choosing instead to portray Truth as steadfastly committed to an honest existence, akin to the endeavors of everyday people. Her acts of valor arise not from a craving for validation but from a deep-seated moral compass and spiritual convictions. She keeps her noble deeds under wraps, sharing them only with the elders, who eventually encourage her to recount her experiences to their fellow Quakers. Over the span of the novel's four years, Truth blossoms into a formidable individual, defined by profound integrity.
The narrative, a meticulous exploration of character, zooms in on Truth, leaving other figures less fleshed out. Her father, though mentioned sparingly, is depicted as a diligent man whose love and work ethic profoundly shaped her upbringing. Along with their Indiana friends, he instilled in Truth a solid foundation of values. Initially, North Carolina greets her with a frosty reception. "That's what she is, Ma, a kettle cousin, another mouth to feed," Robert observes derisively. School offers no sanctuary either, as classmates shun her for being Quaker; even Martha, a fellow Quaker, initially keeps her distance. Yet, Aunt Elizabeth, the epitome of maternal kindness, extends warmth and acceptance, easing Truth's transition. Her Uncle Matthew, though in his twilight years, offers her trust and kindness.
Ultimately, Truth's first significant trial arises when she is pursued home by an escaped slave. As the man closes in, she dashes into the Bardwell house, only to learn that her pursuer is a familiar face. "Todd, husband, Robert. It's Squire!" Aunt Elizabeth exclaims. The fugitive slips away through a hidden passage by the hearth. He hadn't been chasing her at all. "He knew where to come because he's been here before," explains her aunt. Through this revelation, Truth uncovers the Bardwell's role in the Underground Railroad, a harbinger of the novel's theme: the treacherous journey from bondage to liberty. The Bardwells, aligning with the Quaker opposition to slavery, assist with these clandestine escapes northward, citing scripture to justify their actions. In solidarity, Truth aids Squire in reaching the next stop on this perilous route.
The Underground Railroad emerges as a beacon of hope in Who Comes with Cannons? , embodying the resolve for freedom for individuals like Squire and exemplifying the Bardwell's and Truth's devotion to divine and humanistic duty. Each "station" on this network serves as a clandestine haven, facilitating the onward journey of escapees. The anonymity between stations ensures that captured participants cannot betray the network, fostering...
(This entire section contains 1349 words.)
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a climate of fear and suspicion akin to a totalitarian regime. Menacing armed intruders ransack homes, intimidating inhabitants, while young men like Robert and Todd face brutal attacks for suspected involvement in aiding freedom seekers. Even women like Truth become targets of abuse simply for their associations with subversive ideals. Robert's apprehensiveness toward a 12-year-old girl, whom he should regard with kindness, is understandable; every outsider poses a potential threat of exposing the fugitives. This pervasive atmosphere of animosity renders the Quakers' existence fraught with tension and dread.
Despite the repulsive nature of certain characters, such as Mr. Fields, Beatty skillfully avoids reducing them to mere caricatures of malice. The harsh realities of the Civil War temper many characters' temperaments, stripping war of its supposed glory to lay bare its monotonous despair. The Underground Railroad expands its mission, becoming a conduit for those seeking to avoid conscription into the Confederate Army, as well as for runaway slaves. Its purpose intensifies when Truth and Uncle Matthew embark on a journey to New York to liberate Robert. Former adversaries of the Quakers, once vehement in their opposition due to their ties to the antislavery movement, begin to display newfound humanity. For instance, Perry Gibson, once a fierce antagonist, softens after his brother Lockwood's demise: "After his brother Lockwood's death, he'd been more quiet in his behavior. He was thin and ragged, and his mule's ribs showed." Despite their shared hardships, this mutual struggle leads him to inform Truth of Robert's capture by Union forces.
Who Comes with Cannons? unfolds a tapestry richly interwoven with themes of honest toil and fortitude. The demanding life on the North Carolina farms instills an appreciation for the relentless grind of physical labor, where families toil under the sun's unyielding gaze, hour after arduous hour. For the young, the allure of school offers a respite from these grueling tasks, yet they yearn for its solace when away. Their parents, weary from the continual strain, eagerly anticipate the vigor of youthful hands to share their burdens. In this narrative, the significance of hard work remains unchallenged. The Quakers, exemplifying a profound ethic of labor, stand as paragons of this virtue. At the novel’s onset, Truth is poised to earn her place through sheer diligence, eschewing any notions of grandeur. As she grows, the noble essence of honest labor unfolds. The collective responsibility to contribute towards the family's welfare starkly contrasts the horrors of enslavement. This poignant theme resonates in midwife Nancy Andrews's retort to a Union soldier’s inquiry, "Is she a slave?" Her resolute response, "I'm free, and I've been free for fifteen years. I get paid for what I do," speaks volumes. She takes pride in her labor, crafting her path in the world, as everyone should have the freedom to do.
Faith and Conviction
The narrative also weaves a compelling theme of faith, a guiding principle for the Quakers. For most, their faith impels them to assist slaves, with an unwavering commitment to nonviolence. Yet, not all share this pacifist stance; one young Quaker is driven to enlist in the Union Army, placing the moral imperative to abolish slavery above peaceful coexistence. Faith manifests in myriad ways, enriching the storyline. Beatty notes in her reflections:
Quaker women were encouraged to 'testify' on First Day, or Sunday. They were as renowned for their quiet courage and steadfastness as the men. The justification for their taking part in church matters was the New Testament, in which it is written, 'Women spoke to Jesus.'
This tradition shapes Truth’s involvement in her faith and illuminates her struggle with feeling inadequate during Quaker gatherings. In the novel, women are not only allowed to speak but are expected to voice their thoughts alongside men. This expectation influences character dynamics and perceptions within the community, and faith emerges as a wellspring of strength for Truth and the Bardwells. It sustains them through adversity, bolstering their courage when the path of righteousness turns perilous. They perceive divine intervention in moments of dire need, such as when the Gibsons threaten the Bardwells, only for Truth to defy them with a reminder of Southern chivalry and unyielding resolve. Both she and her aunt sense God’s influence, guiding her actions to shield her family from harm. This faith is authentic and tenacious, woven into the fabric of the Quakers' lives in Who Comes with Cannons?, fulfilling their real-world needs for resilience and bravery, while also nourishing their idealistic pursuits.
