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 instruct a slave to read, March suffered his first consequence of violence. During the retreat across the river, March decided to save his own skin rather than put it in danger. Not only in that scenario but also in the raid on Oak Landing, March decided to save himself. Although an attempt to save both men would almost certainly have resulted in his death, March's conscience torments him. Finally, in his life-threatening attempt to rescue captured slaves, this courageous act also ended in destruction. March emotions are completely destroyed. He was so overcome with guilt that it was beyond repair. The entire novel shows stark instances of violence like these and the effect they have on a child.