At first, Reuben is so overcome by sin and guilt that he lies to Dorcas about how her father died. When Reuben returns home, Dorcas asks him where her father is. As Reuben tells the accurate story of their journey from the battle before he deserts Roger, Dorcas interrupts him, fearing that her father died with Reuben by his side. Reluctantly, Reuben confirms her suspicion, as he "bowed his head," finding "it impossible to acknowledge that his selfish love of life had hurried him away before her father's fate was decided" (24). Reuben cannot force himself to tell Dorcas the truth because he is too ashamed that he was not by Roger's side at his dying hour and that Dorcas would be upset at him if he abandoned her father. Moreover, continuing with the lie, Reuben also
At first, Reuben is so overcome by sin and guilt that he lies to Dorcas about how her father died. When Reuben returns home, Dorcas asks him where her father is. As Reuben tells the accurate story of their journey from the battle before he deserts Roger, Dorcas interrupts him, fearing that her father died with Reuben by his side. Reluctantly, Reuben confirms her suspicion, as he "bowed his head," finding "it impossible to acknowledge that his selfish love of life had hurried him away before her father's fate was decided" (24). Reuben cannot force himself to tell Dorcas the truth because he is too ashamed that he was not by Roger's side at his dying hour and that Dorcas would be upset at him if he abandoned her father. Moreover, continuing with the lie, Reuben also