Did you notice how quickly time flies in Across Five Aprils? And we're not talking about seconds and minutes and hours while you read (though those fly by, too). This theme is all about the concept of certain events throughout the course of time rather than which numbers the big and little hands are pointing to at any given moment. Whether it's reminiscing on the past or thinking forward to the future, one of the main things we're looking at here is how things and people change (or don't change) as time passes.
Questions About Time
- How do characters view present circumstances in comparison to the past and future?
- Does any character remain unaffected or unchanged throughout the five Aprils? Who and how?
- Could time be considered its own character in the book? Why or why not?
Chew on This
The hardships endured throughout his life causes Matt Creighton to switch up his parenting style with Jethro and Jenny.
Ross Milton is one of the few people who openly acknowledge the lasting impact the war and abolishment of slavery will have on the future.