As you read the epilogue, how did you react? What was erased in the aftermath of the Civil War? What persisted?
Emotionally, I had a mixed reaction to the epilogue. I was happy Peter was alive, sad that that left Jonathon without a partner, and impressed that the two families maintained a relationship. In response to the second part of the question: I think the “Myth of the Lost Cause” persists to this days and encourages the continuance of racism and a sense of white superiority that is damaging (witness the Jim Crow era and the continuing presence of white nationalism) though the institution of slavery itself is gone.
I was not surprised that Libby had a child or that Peter believed, supposedly, that the child was his. I was also not surprised that Jubilee remained with them and her father was killed, nor that Jubilee, then 80 years old, had such a strong reaction to the “Last Review.” I have heard about those spectacles and find the thought abhorrent. “A hollow statue for a hollow cause” sent a chill down my spine, considering what is happening in America today. Christian Nationalism is a disease running rampart and I am appalled & sickened by it. I fear this country is on the brink of another Civil War, and as I watch the news, I have no idea how the madness can be stopped. And it is madness. As a retired civil rights litigator, it’s more than I can bear some days and I retreat into novels and my music to maintain what’s left of my sanity.
What was erased in the aftermath of the Civil War? The same lessons that seem to have been erased in the aftermath of World War II. There is an appalling and alarming lack of appreciation of the lessons we have already learned. Are they not teaching history in U.S. schools? So many young people don’t seem to understand that history is being repeated. Of course, as a Baby Boomer, I heard all about the Great Depression and World War II at home, and am thankful for those lessons. But social injustice persists and is growing worse. A convicted felon sits in the Oval Office issuing repugnant proclamations and cozying up to dictators. I could go on and on, but will refrain. It’s just all so sad and I’ve said so many times that I’m thankful my parents – members of the Greatest Generation who sacrificed so much for their country – aren’t here to see their service disrespected and dishonored, their sacrifices squandered.