A number of themes have been explored in the book, Confederates in the Attic. One such is the difference between the “the past” and “history.” Thus, throughout the text, this has been expounded with precise emphasis as appropriate. Hence, this essay presents an account of the theme with a view to portray how faithful to the past the histories of the Civil War are.
First and foremost is the fact that the author is initially driven by his babyhood imitations of the Civil War’s legacy that evidently well up in the traditional framework pertinent in to his later years. This is further evidenced by his decision to explore the contrived past and effectively pen it down. Furthermore, the author reminiscences Robert Penn Warren’s reference that alluded to grandsons experiencing “the full ingenious petition of the Civil War” and relating it to a relevant customary of an American citizen. Arguably, this is an exemplary personal recall to the effect that it gets the better part of the author and spurs him to engage in the same.
What is more is the fact that the book alludes to how the author moved to Virginia, nearly a decade after his stay in foreign countries and effectively managed to learn an America that was openly preoccupied with the Civil War. This excellently managed to propel his own sunken recollections of the numerous photographs he had considered with his father when he was young. Noteworthy, this impacted even more accomplishments as demonstrated by his obsessions that were sternly activated such that his wife christened him, “Civil War bore” who lay awake in the night while pondering over Civil War.
Secondly, is the allusion to the fact that the author’s Jewish grandfather. It is stated that he entered America at a tender age of seventeen years before Appomattox and recognized that the history of the Civil War was rather an American Talmud. In turn, this would serve to unravel the secrets of his adopted country thereby making him feel part and parcel of it. The historical feat is effectively demonstrated by the old man being unable to shed his past recollections and it leads him to embark on a critical relation of the past and his “present” situation.
Third, are the monuments that have been erected in memory of the Civil War: This shows that the inhabitants within the states exhibit an acute affiliation to the Civil War- Such scenarios are explored when the author travels to every Western Southern and Eastern state? Important to note is the fact that these are the states in which great battles had been waged. Thus, coupled with the pictured etchings that his grandfather had disclosed to him through the magnifying glass, he expands the passionate bearing within the book. This is further manifested by the author’s skill to gather the details that have evolved since time immemorial and presents them into ability gratifying to watch. In particular, on the Monument Avenue along Richmond, he has an interesting insight, which alludes that he could not think about a different city with lined streets that had stone leviathans to honor the failed rebels.
Moreover, other individuals in the life and engagements with the author are also pertinent in the historical allusion and preservation in relation to the accuracy of accounts of the Civil War. An example is the author’s friend by the name, Rob who accompanies him to “The Civil Wargasm.”He adds that the Gasm was ideally a Bohemian thing, resembling the Ken Kesey bus tour, with an exception of the fact that they were tripping the 1860’s rather than the 1960’s. Moreover, while roving at a speed, Rob consumes facts while roving over the Civil War soldiers views. It is palpable to note that he is single-minded as exhibited in his mannerisms nearly at all turns while recollecting the past with despite the manifested evolutions in place. Nevertheless, he appears to be well versed with all the gadgets of the late 1990’s and expresses an enthusiasm for every factor of the American Civil War.
In addition to the above, the author develops more on these through the books. One such is by Henry Miller, who alludes to Old Southern part being plowed under to mean, obsessed with the historical past of the Civil War. Further, he states that the ashes are warm, which directly exemplifies the vividness that the history is still part and parcel of the societies. This is through the epigraph throughout the book that the author relates to. Besides the above, the author posits that Vicksburg had confirmed the demoralizing pattern that had been evidenced in a different place in the South. Moreover, it embodied an exploration of dual pasts and presents that were characterized with both the white and black color. Irrefutably; this description portrayed that the past had infected the present. Conclusively, this is a pointer to the deep-rooted affiliation and memories to the effects of the Civil war in America and overly, an impulse to the past and history of the people. In conclusion, Confederates in the Attic offers a stimulating look into the minds and hearts of the modern Southerners with their attachment to the Civil War. The author’s unearthing as to why the Civil War is indeed core to many people, with appreciation of the culture and sociology of the Southern States. Thus; there is a definite historical fidelity to the past of the Civil War.
Free Essay On Accuracy Of Accounts Of The Civil War
Type of paper: Essay
Topic: Literature, Civil War, America, Books, War, Relationships, United States, History
Pages: 3
Words: 900
Published: 03/21/2020
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