You Can t Win Either Way Have you ever had to make a decision that didn t have a clear cut right or wrong answer? A decision in which you felt like you were doomed regardless of which side you chose? That is how Jethro Creighton feels when the Civil War breaks out. Even though Jethro and his family live in southern Illinois, a Union state, one of his brothers chooses to fight on the Confederate side during the war. This decision causes many of the Creighton s neighbors to strike out against the family and leaves Jethro wondering which side he should support after all. Be a Better Reader As you work through the study guide for Across Five Aprils, you ll also practice these skills, which will help you when you read novels in the future, for school assignments or just for fun. 1. Describe the development of the main character. 2. Discuss how the plot develops throughout the novel. 3. Describe themes in the novel and trace their development throughout the text. 4. Cite textual evidence to support discussion of the novel. 5. Describe and analyze the role of setting in the novel. Behind the Scenes The American Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865. It began when the southern states seceded from the U.S. to form their own country. This decision followed numerous arguments between the North and South regarding slavery, the rights of states, and tariffs on goods. After Abraham Lincoln won the 1960 election, he said his administration would not start a civil war. He was forced to go back on this promise, however, when Confederate forces fired on the Union held Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. During the war, battles were fought from the Deep South of Mississippi all the way north to Pennsylvania. After five Aprils of lost lives and destroyed land and cities, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865. Get This! 1. Across Five Aprils contains several symbols. Be sure to notice and try to figure out the symbolism of the barn, the Bible ledger, and drinking coffee. 2. The author repeatedly employs the motifs of cycles and showing two sides of a story. As you read, try to figure out how the author uses the motifs to enhance and develop the story. 3. The end of the war is referred to as not a perfect pearl. Think about what the author means by this statement.
The Plot Irene Hunt s Across Five Aprils traces the Civil War as seen through the experiences of young Jethro Creighton and his family who are pulled toward both sides of the conflict. As you read, fill in the boxes for each element of the novel s plot.
The Characters Irene Hunt creates an interesting cast of characters to tell her story of the Civil War. Draw a picture of each character listed. Then describe the importance of each character s role in the box beneath each picture. Jethro Creighton Bill Creighton Jenny Creighton Shadrach Yale Ross Milton Mr. Burdow
The Setting It had to happen somewhere... In Across Five Aprils, Irene Hunt uses the setting of the Creightons farm placed against the backdrop of the Civil War. Use the spaces below to describe the Creightons farm. In the first column, type or write direct quotes from the novel phrases and sentences that describe the farm. In the second column, explain in your own words what the author is trying to convey. Quotes about the Creightons Farm What the Author is Trying to Convey Use the spaces below to describe the events of the Civil War. In the first column, type or write direct quotes from the novel phrases and sentences that are used to describe the war. In the second column, explain in your own words what the author is trying to convey. Quotes about the Civil War What the Author is Trying to Convey
Tracking Themes What does it all mean?... What message is Irene Hunt trying to communicate in Across Five Aprils? The main themes in the novel involve changing public opinion and redemption and forgiveness. See if you can identify and analyze those themes. Step 1: What parts of the plot seem related to a possible theme in the novel? (Think about the main conflict and how it get resolved or worked out.) Step 2: Which characters seem related to a possible theme? Which characters change, and what do those changes suggest about changing public opinion and redemption and forgiveness? Step 3: How does the author use symbols to hint at the novel s themes? What objects, people, or places stand for something bigger in the story? Step 4: What does the novel s title suggest about the novel s theme? Step 5: Write one or two of the novel s main themes in your own words.
Talk About It What do you think about Across Five Aprils? Did you notice the motifs of cycles and showing two sides of a story? How did you see Grant and Jefferson s relationship evolving? In the space below each question, write an answer based on your own experiences and your own understanding of the novel. Include some textual evidence or examples that helped you arrive at your answer. 1. In the novel, Irene Hunt employs the motifs of cycles and showing two sides of a story. How does the author use these motifs to enhance and develop the story? Textual Evidence or Examples: 2. At end of the Civil War is referred to as not a perfect pearl. What is meant by this? Textual Evidence or Examples:
Represent! Show what you know... Show what you know about Across Five Aprils and its relevance to your life. Choose one of these projects to complete and share with your teacher, classmates, and others. Choice 1: Jethro s Story The novel centers on Jethro Creighton and his family s struggles during the Civil War. Since the novel has an omniscient point of view, the reader never hears from Jethro himself, though. Create and perform a monologue as Jethro Creighton to try to gain more insight into Jethro as a character. Be sure to write your monologue in the form of a drama. Choice 2: The Civil War Across Five Aprils sheds light on some of the causes, characters, and battles of the Civil War. There is still much to learn, though. Research and learn about the Civil War. Find out the reasons for the war, its major characters, and key battles during the war. Create a Powerpoint presentation to share this information. Be sure to present the battles in chronological order.