The Actions of One Generation Affect Future Generations

All throughout the novel, for good and for bad, the actions of past generations affect future generations in many ways. One simple way this is shown is through Jacob Sluiter. While he never claims he has no responsibility for killing people, he feels no guilt stealing from people because he believes that he, himself, was stolen from. Generations prior, the Sluiters sold their land because they were told they could no longer clear the forests for logging. Despite this, wealthy people were allowed to purchase the land, clear the land, and build their homes on it. In this case, the actions of politicians of previous generations affect the way that Jacob views stealing and morality in general.

Barbara, likewise, is quite influenced by what happened before she was born. Her mother had a close relationship with Bear, but after...