Thinking Question:

What do you think happened to Fahrquhar's family after the hanging? We don't learn much about them except they share his passion for helping the Confederate's cause. "A gray-clad soldier rode up to the gate and asked for a drink of water. Mrs. Fahrquhar was only too happy to serve him with her own white hands." It was highly unusual for a plantation owner to serve a guest, that job fell to the slaves. So we know she wanted to help but not much else. Thoughts?

Comments

  1. Losing their husband/father probably put them in a difficult place financially. They were used to being successful plantation owners and he was the breadwinner. This would have taken a toll also mentally. It's hard to raise children without a father.

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  2. Ya I guess, I agree with Ethan. But why would she get the water for him? Couldn't somebody else have done that.

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    1. I think her serving him was a sign of how much she respected the cause. Like, "those who fight for the Confederacy are far too noble and great to be served by common slaves. They deserve to be served by the lady of the house, because they are just that awesome."

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    2. Yes. This is what I meant when I said his family was supportive of the south. His wife was willing to serve a dirty soldier who normally would probably have been below her "class" in society.

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  3. I definitely agree with Ethan that they probably had some financial difficulty following Peyton's death. Perhaps if his oldest son was old enough/responsible enough, he could take over his father's plantation. However, as Peyton was only 35 at the time of his death, it is highly unlikely that he would have any kids over the age of 15 at the most. Perhaps Mrs. Farquhar could have managed the plantation by herself. At the time, such a thing was uncommon, but far from unheard of. Worst case scenario, they lose/sell the plantation and move in with relatives until the children are old enough to provide for themselves.

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