Even amidst a Union artillery barrage, the band keeps playing. Though it seems surreal to the reader to imagine strands of music in between shells exploding, it must have provided comfort to the men huddling on the ground. The other music that recurs in this chapter and that is charged with deep emotion is the song “Kathleen Mavourneen.”
Armistead reviews his life and reflects on how he could have been more emotional, though he notes he felt emotions deeply, if just for a moment, when his wife died. He has sent his personal Bible to Mira Hancock in a package to be opened if he dies. And he gives his ring to Pickett to send to Pickett’s girlfriend. Armistead remembers his vow and takes it seriously. He knows the time has come for God to determine the outcome of that vow. He is wishing it could be different, wishing it could be changed, and he is not eager to die, just like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. But Armistead will accept either outcome.
Pickett is a sentimental man of grandiose emotions. He is grateful for Armistead’s ring. He is emotional over the coming battle to the point that he cannot even find words to express it.
The theme of honor is seen in Garnett’s actions now. Garnett is a man at peace because he is arranging his answer to Jackson’s accusation of cowardice, and he welcomes this. He will ride into battle, a perfect target, and in death, his name will be cleared. Armistead tries desperately to get Longstreet or Pickett to order Garnett to stay behind, but Armistead knows they will not.
Unexpressed emotion among the men is another recurrent theme in the book. Armistead sheds tears over Garnett’s certain death, but he can’t show him. The two men prepare for battle, and their eyes never meet, and they avoid shaking hands. Armistead feels overwhelming emotion for Longstreet who is sitting there looking black, savage, and he wants to say something to Longstreet. But he can’t.
The theme that “It’s all in God’s hands” runs heavily in this climactic chapter. It is Armistead’s belief for himself and his prayer for Garnett and Hancock. It is Lee’s belief about the battle. The outcome is preordained. They will do their duty. The rest is up to God.
Human kindness in the midst of horror is shown by the Union officer on horseback who tried to save Armistead’s life by knocking him down. The officer, admiring Armistead’s courage, knew that Armistead didn’t stand a chance if he remained standing. It was an unsuccessful but generous and kind act, nevertheless.
