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Chapter 8
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
On May 10th of 1862, Oak Landing celebrates as the long-awaited cotton shipment finally departs safely aboard a steamer. The celebration grows larger with the unexpected arrival of a second boat, the Mary Lou, which delivers supplies secured by Margaret and other generous abolitionist donors. Workers erupt in excitement as crates containing molasses, salt, medicines, and clothing reach the shore. Although March delights in their happiness, Canning grows increasingly annoyed at what he sees as excessive generosity, concerned that such charity will spoil the workers, who must learn to pay their own way. Despite Canning’s complaints, the formerly enslaved people cherish every item, carefully preserving even their old, tattered garments, while March personally gifts Zannah a satin turquoise kerchief.
The arrival of supplies marks a rare moment of genuine triumph at Oak Landing. March savors the workers’ joy, which feels like tangible proof that his ideals can bring positive change. However, Canning’s irritation creates tension. Canning sees charity as harmful indulgence rather than needed relief, reflecting his persistent use of harsh discipline over compassion. It highlights Canning’s dehumanizing views of the Black workers, rather than any facts about the workers themselves.
Active
Themes
Following the arrival of goods, life at Oak Landing significantly improves. Illnesses continue, yet fewer deaths occur as medical supplies bring relief to the suffering. Renewed by kindness and now paid for their cotton harvest, the workers approach their labor with revitalized energy. The fields transform swiftly, with cotton plants sprouting vigorously in neat, orderly rows. Though the first cotton yield disappoints financially, the workers surprise Canning by revealing hidden cotton stored secretly within their bedding, which they saved during Confederate raids. Deeply moved, Canning gratefully accepts their generous offering, grants them freedom to celebrate, and even agrees, alongside March, to attend their festive nighttime “shout.”
The improvement in health and morale after the supplies arrive demonstrates that practical aid, not moral lecturing or harsh discipline, genuinely improves lives. Meanwhile, the hidden cotton demonstrates the workers’ quiet resilience and strategic thinking, challenging Canning’s assumptions of laziness or deceit. Their gesture deeply moves Canning, shifting his perspective enough that he participates willingly in their nighttime celebration. This moment is important for March as well, as it reinforces his belief in generosity and community effort.
Active
Themes
The night celebration is an intense, transformative experience unlike anything March has previously encountered. A rhythmic chant and dance—ancient, stirring, and rooted in African tradition—engulfs the entire community in an ecstatic gathering around a bonfire. Overcome by the powerful rhythms, March joins in, dancing wildly and loses himself entirely in the fervent celebration. Only when he finally emerges, exhausted and drenched in sweat, does he notice that Canning’s seat stands empty, and Canning himself is nowhere to be found.
