The Hardships of War

The recurring theme of the hardships endured by everyone touched by the war is important because it drives many of the characters and their actions. An important example of this theme is seen in the case of Catesby Byrd. Catesby joins the war because he lost he bet and gives the ultimate sacrifice for that gamble. When Catesby sees a horrific battle, he indicates that the war will go on until every man and boy from Virginia are dead. Catesby then takes his own life, apparently unable to withstand the memories of the battle he'd witnessed. With Catesby's death, his wife Leona becomes an inconsolable grieving widow and later dies. Though it's noted that she died of a fever, Samuel Gatewood seems to believe that Leona literally grieved herself to death. Another example is seen in Sallie Botkin Kirkpatrick. Sallie is released from prison to...