Patriotism

Patriotism is a recurring theme in the book and is seen in the attitudes and actions of several soldiers. One of those is Palmer Metcalf. Palmer is at the Louisiana State Military Academy when the southern states secede from the Union, forming the Confederacy. Palmer's loyalty is immediately with the South, where his home is. He hears Sherman say that the South has made a terrible mistake and that they can't possibly win the war. This touches Palmer's pride and continues to haunt him as the war progresses. On the night before the Battle of Shiloh, Palmer imagines that he captures Sherman and holds him at gunpoint. In Palmer's dream, Sherman says that he was wrong about the Confederacy. Palmer doesn't seem to have any real animosity toward Sherman personally but the fact that Sherman doubts the South can win wounds Palmer's pride in his countrymen. Another example...