Brooks illustrates a deeper meaning of the book through these actions of violence, which is the struggle to make decisions and their consequences. Because of his choice to teach a slave to read, March suffered his first consequence of violence. During the retreat across the river, March decided to save his own skin instead of putting his head in danger. Not only in this scenario, but also during the raid at Oak Landing, March decided to save himself. Although an attempt to rescue these two men would almost certainly have caused his death, March's conscience torments him. Finally, in his attempt to save the captured slaves, even this courageous act ended in destruction. March's emotions were completely shattered. He was so overwhelmed with guilt that it was becoming irreparable. The entire novel features raw instances of violence like these, and the effect it has on a