Across Five Aprils - Chapter 1 Summary

Setting and Characters

Time and Place: April 1861 on a farm in southern Illinois.
Ellen Creighton: A hardworking, plain woman with a strong Christian faith. She is the mother of 12 children, with Jethro being the youngest.
Jethro Creighton: A nine-year-old boy full of promise, who works alongside his mother to plant potatoes.
Matthew Creighton: Jethro’s father, who works in the fields with Jethro’s brothers.
Shadrach Yale: A local schoolteacher and honorary family member, recovering from typhoid fever.

The farm life of the 19th century requires hard work from all family members, including children like Jethro.
The loss of children to sickness is a part of life, affecting family dynamics and perspectives.

Ellen is anxious about the impending war, while Jethro, unable to understand its full implications, remains carefree.
Shadrach Yale's trip to gather news about political tensions indicates the family's concern over the national situation.

Jethro’s View: Sees war as exciting and quick, a reflection of his immaturity and limited understanding.
Ellen’s View: Fears losing her sons to war, understanding its true cost.

Jethro learns about Copernicus, representing his education and potential beyond farming.
He struggles with understanding adult concerns about war and justice.

The Creighton family has faced loss, such as the death of Jethro's sister Mary, which foreshadows the potential loss to come with the Civil War.
Matthew's Lesson: Teaches Jethro about the balance between justice and mercy, as seen in his response to Mary’s death.

Family Meal: The family dynamics are highlighted during a meal, where discussions naturally shift to the looming war.
Wilse Graham's Visit: Reminds the Creightons of the national divisions, as he comes from Kentucky, a border state.

Jethro is caught between childhood innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood as the family adjusts to the potential of war.