Chapter 2 Summary

Chapter 2 opens with the brief visit of Ellen's nephew, Wilse Graham, from Kentucky. During the early part of his visit, he shares news of Ellen's side of the family. Wilse is same age as the older brothers, which brings home the depths of the issues surrounding the Civil War as these young men are all of fighting age. Jethro, being too young to be facing issues of mortality, sees the war as an adventure, while the brothers view it based on personal beliefs in war, causes and solutions.

Southern Illinois was mostly populated from southern states, adding even more strain to the split. Wilse, a slave owner himself, speaks of the southern point of view, while Tom, Eb and John side with the North. Bill would be, in today's world, considered a conscientious objector. Seeing the atrocities of humanity's destructive forces on itself...