In the evening after the battle, Chamberlain sits alone looking out at the battlefield. He remembers the morning with green grass and beautiful wheat fields, all of those gone now.
His brother joins him and chats, trying to make sense of the whole thing. Tom keeps asking why those men were willing to fight so hard for slavery. Both brothers admire the enemy for their courage in battle, and Chamberlain reflects on the tragedy of it.
Remembering the march of the Confederate lines toward the Union position, Chamberlain feels both the beauty of the sight and the fear it inspired. He feels one with all of them, privileged to be here, and proud of them all, regardless of side. He sees no enemies here, hates no gentlemen, and considers them all equal now in God’s sight. He feels a thrill at the coming battles and knows he must send his brother away. Chamberlain moves away as the thunder brings the heavy rain that will wash all the blood away.
