Character Development
How does Thomas relationship with John Cole evolve in these chapters?
Their bond deepens as they face the horrors of war together, relying on each other for emotional and physical survival.
What theme emerges through the depiction of war in these chapters?
The dehumanizing nature of war and the toll it takes on those involved.
What role do Thomas and John play in the Indian wars during these chapters?
They serve as soldiers in the U.S. Army participating in raids and battles against Native American tribes.
Where do Thomas and John spend most of their time during Chapters 7 and 8?
They are largely in military camps and in the field during their time in the Indian territories.
How does Winona symbolize hope and future in the narrative?
Winona represents a chance for redemption and a future beyond the violence of war, giving Thomas and John a new purpose in life.
What role does Winona play in shaping the men’s perspective by the end of Chapter 8?
Winona represents innocence and the possibility of redemption, making them reconsider their role in the violence. 5
How does violence affect the character's sense of morality in Chapter 8?
The pervasive violence numbs them but also leads them to question their moral actions and their search for redemption.
What is the significance of the military decisions made in Chapter 7 regarding the Native Americans?
The military's ruthless decisions reflect the larger political and cultural disregard for Native American lives, emphasizing the violence and treatment towards native americans.
What is the significance of the military outposts in these chapters?
They serve as a place of temporary safety but also as a place for violence and destruction.
What do the military uniforms symbolize for Thomas in Chapter 7?
The uniforms symbolize both duty and the burden of violence that Thomas has as a soldier.
In what ways does John Cole influence Thomas’ emotional response to their violent actions in these chapters?
John provides emotional support, helping Thomas cope with the trauma, though he shares in the moral burden.
How does Barry address the theme of identity in the context of Thomas and his experiences?
Thoma's identity is in constant challenge as he figures out his role as a soldier, his love for John, and his feelings of guilt over his violent actions.
What key event marks a turning point in Thomas and John’s relationship with Winona?
Their decision to take her under their care after the massacre, seeing her as a chance for atonement.
How does Barry use the environment to raise the tension of the events in Chapter 7?
The wilderness is portrayed as vast and claustrophobic, creating an atmosphere of constant danger that mirrors the tension of the war.
How does Barry use the imagery of fire in these chapters to symbolize destruction?
Fire represents both the destruction caused by the soldier's violence, as Thomas and John seek to rebuild their lives with Winona.
What internal conflict does Thomas face after his involvement in the Indian wars during Chapter 7?
He grapples with the morality of his actions, torn between duty as a soldier and the horror of the atrocities committed.
What is the significance of loyalty in Chapter 7, particularly between Thomas and John?
Loyalty defines their relationship, as they support each other through the brutality of war, refusing to let the violence break them apart.
How does the massacre at the Indian village unfold in Chapter 8 and what impact does it have on the characters?
The soldiers violently raid the village killing many Native Americans, which deeply traumatizes Thomas and John, leading them to question their involvement in the war.
What is the significance of the winter setting during the massacre in Chapter 8?
The cold harsh winter symbolizes the brutality of the massacre symbolizing death and the unforgiving nature of their environment.
What does the landscape symbolize in terms of the character's emotional states in Chapter 8?
The harsh landscape symbolizes the character's inner sense of being lost in a morally destructed world.
How does Thomas perception of himself change after witnessing the massacre in Chapter 8?
He feels increasingly disillusioned and struggles with guilt, realizing the extent of his complicity in the violence.
How is the theme of survival explored in the aftermath of the massacres in Chapter 8?
Survival is both literal, as they escape death, and emotional, as they struggle to live with the weight of their actions.
What major event in Chapter 8 changes the trajectory of Thomas and John’s journey?
The massacre of the Native American village marks a turning point in their perception of their roles in the war.
How does the harsh landscape of the Indian territories mirror the emotional state of Thomas and John?
The brutal landscape reflects their internal desolation and moral issues faced after the violence they witness and partake in.
How does the treatment of Native Americans serve as a larger symbol of the violence in 19th-century America?
It symbolizes the systemic racism and brutality of the period when Native American lives were seen as expansion and control.