How did Charley’s attitude about Gettysburg change ?
Charley's attitude about Gettysburg changed throughout the course of the book "The Battle of Gettysburg" by Ronald Kidd. Initially, Charley was excited about joining the Union army and playing a part in the Civil War. He had a romanticized view of war and believed it would be a grand adventure. However, as he experienced the harsh reality of war, especially during the Battle of Gettysburg, his attitude gradually shifted.
At the beginning of the book, Charley's enthusiasm for joining the army stemmed from his desire to prove himself and to escape his dull life on the farm. He believed that war would make him a hero and admired the military glory. However, as Charley witnessed the horrors of war, such as the brutal killings and the suffering of both soldiers and civilians, his romanticized view began to crumble.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, Charley came face to face with the brutalities of war. He saw his friends and fellow soldiers being injured or killed, experienced the chaos and confusion on the battlefield, and witnessed the devastating impact of the fighting on the local community. This experience shattered Charley's naïve expectations and he started to question the true cost and purpose of war.
Furthermore, Charley also realized that the war was not as clear-cut as he had initially believed. He encountered sympathetic Confederate soldiers who were just as scared and desperate as he was. This made him question the righteousness of the Union cause and the notion of heroes and villains in war. Charley began to see the complexity and tragedy inherent in armed conflict.
By the end of the book, Charley's attitude about Gettysburg had changed dramatically. He became disillusioned and deeply affected by the suffering and chaos he witnessed. His experiences made him reflect on the true nature of war and the sacrifices it demanded. Charley's attitude transformed from one of eager enthusiasm to one of somber understanding and empathy.