Themes

A theme is a reoccurring idea, lesson, or message in a work of literature. We can secretly see themes come up throughout a text by noticing how events have similar problems or solutions. Sometimes themes are explored in dialogue and others in narration. When choosing quotes for your At A Glance in this unit, be sure that they match one of the themes below.

The Illusion of Glory

Tim recognizes that Sam is remaining in the war for the glory and camaraderie rather than for the principle of it, and after several of his own attempts at glory and adventure, Tim senses that glory is overrated.

You can find this theme in situations where Tim sees the price of war is not worth paying.

The Degeneration of Values During War

Mother repeats many times how war turns men into beasts. She says this, for example, when she hears of Jerry Sanford's death, or of Sam himself stealing cattle to feed his men. She is correct in saying this, and not only in the sense of human cruelty.

You can find this theme in situations where people behave in ways that they normally would not because of the war.

The Clashing Influence of Father and Brother

With the experienced, conservative influence of Father working on one side and the excitable, curious influence of Sam working on the other, Tim spends much of this novel trying to come to terms with their points of view and to find his own point of view through them.

You can find this theme in situations where Tim has to balance the importance of his father's lessons and his brother's example.

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