Maturity
The novel focuses on the war that was between the South and the North as well as it focuses on how the war affected individual persons. Jethro is forced to grow up much faster than normal and because of some unusual circumstances, Jethro becomes the responsible man in the house. After his older brothers leave for war and after his father suffers a heart attack, Jethro has no other choice but to take care of his family. The way in which Jethro sees the world also changes. If in the beginning Jethro sees the world in a very childlike manner, his ideas change in time when he realizes that his point of view is far from the truth.
Public Opinion
Another theme is the instability of the public opinion. The general population’s opinion changes from one moment to another, based on what news they receive from the battlefield. They could one day love and worship one general and then hate him the next day just because it is rumored that he lost a battle or took a decision that many may not agree with. The feeling of unrest is created primarily by the ever shifting public opinion that can’t choose which side they want to take.
Forgiveness
The war highlighted the power and necessity of forgiveness. Lincoln forgave those who deserted and genuinely believed that they can turn their life around and serve their country. The Creighton family also forgave the man who accidentally killed one of their daughters and their forgiveness also prompted other people to forgive him. The ability to forgive and move on is what helps the Creighton family get through the five years of war.
Family Bold
The Family Bond is one of the dominant themes in the Across Five Aprils. Even though Jethro Creighton faces many challenges and misfortunes, such as the death of his children, he still manages to have a warm interaction with his family. The family dinners are filled with love and joy, and when the extended family joins, the dinners turn out to be more memorable and special. Members of the extended family such as Eb Carron and Shadrach are happily welcomed, and when tension builds up, Ellen Creighton tries to intervene. The family supports each other's decisions; for instance, they do not speak ill of Bill Creighton, and they support his decision to do the right thing even after he decides to fight for the south.
Presidency
The theme of the presidency is evident through the presence of President Lincoln. Various characters such as Shadrach "Shad" Yale, Ross Milton, and Jethro Creighton have a lot of hope and faith in Lincoln's presidency. Jethro is proud of the stability the president has established and continuously supports his efforts to pursue what is right. Jethro goes ahead and writes to the president hence creating a personal connection, and the president replies with a very compassionate letter. Lincoln is not swayed by political pressure and opinions, and in the end, he is assassinated.
War
The civil war is a dominant aspect in the Across Five Aprils as it affects those who actively participate and those who don't. The war causes long-lasting psychological consequences on those on the battlefront and even those who were left on the farms. In the newspapers and public conversations, all the generals, particularly Grant, are condemned due to the war's devastating outcomes. The public does not agree with the president's war decisions, and even the soldiers on the battlefield have different perceptions.
