Student Name: Across Five AprilsStudy Guide 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 forAcross 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 Aprilscontains 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.
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