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Chapter 9
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in March, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Racial Injustice and the Horrors of Slavery
Moral Complexity and the Limits of Idealism
The Cost of War
Silence, Secrets, and Omissions
Redemption
Summary
Analysis
March wakes up the night of celebration in pain, his body aching, his head throbbing, and his throat raw. Initially dismissing his symptoms as exhaustion from the festivities, he tries rising but finds his limbs unwilling and joints painfully stiff. Soon, chills give way to a violent fever that sends him into delirium. Canning, noticing March’s absence and believing him simply hungover, cheerfully comes to tease him, but he swiftly realizes March is gravely ill. Alarmed, Canning urgently summons help and rides to Waterbank to demand medical assistance from a Union surgeon. The indifferent doctor dismisses March’s condition as common river ague and offers only turpentine, which worsens March’s sickness.
March’s sudden illness illustrates his vulnerability. Initially dismissing his symptoms reveals how much he still relies on wishful thinking rather than confronting reality. Canning’s shift from teasing to urgent concern highlights their complicated relationship—Canning, despite earlier harshness, genuinely values March. Meanwhile, the Union doctor’s dismissive response, offering harmful turpentine, highlights the broader neglect and incompetence of Union authorities toward those under their protection.
Active
Themes
After two days of fever and suffering, March starts to recover. During his illness, his pupils, particularly Zannah, care for him. Weak but grateful, he resumes teaching and briefly enjoys improved spirits, writing fondly to Margaret without mentioning his illness. But this fragile optimism breaks when Canning returns from town with distressing news that the Union forces are drastically reducing their presence at Waterbank. Canning, furious and fearful, warns March that this withdrawal will expose them to imminent Confederate or guerrilla attack. Both men argue heatedly over their next move; Canning contemplates hiring guards but ultimately accepts March’s admonition that such an act would provoke panic among the workers.
The care March receives from his students, especially Zannah, during his recovery highlights the mutual bonds of care that have grown at Oak Landing. March’s decision to hide his illness from Margaret follows his established pattern of shielding his family from painful realities. However, his fragile optimism shatters quickly upon learning of the Union retreat. Without the Union army to protect them, Canning and March risk losing everything they have begun to build at Oak Landing.
Active
Themes
As July fades into August, the plantation remains quiet despite Canning’s fears. During this time, March suffers another bout of illness and realizes he has contracted saddleback fever, a recurring illness leaving him permanently weakened. Driven by this grim awareness, he dedicates himself fiercely to teaching, determined to impart as much knowledge as possible. The workers, though anxious, remain loyal, choosing the risks of staying over uncertain escape. As time passes without direct threat, both March and Canning attempt to reassure each other, maintaining solidarity despite their unease. Yet neither man can fully shake the gnawing apprehension that their fragile security might soon collapse.
Active
Themes
