Irene Hunt Across Five Aprils Chapter Analysis

Irene Hunt Across Five Aprils is about a boy named Jethro Creighton who spectates the Civil War. First young Jethro feels as if the war is going to be exciting and “neat”. As time passed, Jethro faces the death of family and friends, and the hard choices that others make. The main character Jethro comes of age and goes through changes throughout the story To begin with, one example of the changes Jethro goes through to come of age is,”He no longer talked to the children though; a phase of innocence had passed, which would never be recaptured.” (p. 43) In this example, Jethro has made a rare visit to Walnut Hill. He used to have imaginary friends that he would play and talk to. But had phase of innocence pass by him, therefore he doesn't
talk to them anymore. This was the first sign of Jethro’s coming of age. He no longer has a childish mind. The children that he once played with are know invisible to him. This is an example of maturity because he is now living in reality. Also, when it says,”a phase of innocence had passed, which would never be recaptured”(p.43) shows us that this change will be permanent. Following the first example it says,”It was fifteen, miles to Newton; to cover that distance with a team, to do the chores and handle money-that was a man’s job.” (p.68) At this point, Jethro has been trusted with the job of going to Newton and to do chores for the family.
To emphasize, this was work that his older brothers and father would do. Since Jethro’s brother’s and father can’t do it, he must. This proves Jethro’s change in the book because he is doing men’s work. Later, he will complete the task. He shows how he can be trusted with such a big responsibility. This big responsibility turns him into more of a man because he manages the money, takes care of his team, and remembering all the chores. Finally, the book says,” Matt and Ellen noticed a change in him; he was gentle with them and Nancy and her children.” (p.178) During this part of the book it is talking about all the changes throughout Jethro. As the book nears the end Jethro has gone through many changes. Examples include his workload, his innocence, his attitude, and appearance. This sentence, specifically summarizes how he is being gentle with Nancy’s children. Later in the book, it says how he is becoming a reflection of his brother Bill, the gentlest of all their sons. Jethro has come of
age. To summarize, this book reflects the main character’s, Jethro, changes. He started as a childish figure who thought war was going to be fun and exciting. Next he learns responsibilities while his brothers and friend are at war. Finally, he has become more of a grown up figure that can hold himself and take on big responsibilities.