April Morning Character Analysis Essay

Usually in life the process of maturity is gained over time and with knowledge of life as the person experiences it. In the novel April Morning by Howard Fast the character Adam Cooper goes through the change from being a child to an adult within one day. With no prior knowledge to situations and how a person will handle those situations at such a young age, children and teens are less understanding from those who are older and wiser. From this novel it is evident that some people in life may adapt and mature into their surroundings quicker than others.

At the beginning of this novel Adam comes off as an ignorant, foolish boy. Moses Cooper who is Adams father and himself seem to disagree on many things and not get along so well, partly because of this foolishness. Fast writes on page four, I should have known enough to keep my mouth shut, because he replied that he was gratified to be enlightened and laid onto me ten times more, and then wanted to know whether I deemed seventeen to be a superstitious number? This quote came right after the situation of Adam Cooper being caught by his father reciting a spell while fetching water. From this quote it is obvious that there is a lack of respect between Adam and his father. He continues to lash out on his disagreements with his father until he truly understands his fathers true feelings for him.

When Adam makes the choice to be active in his towns militia, he begins his journey into adulthood. By day two of this novel Adam is partaking in one of historys bloodiest battles and overcomes many difficult scenarios. One described on page 102 by Fast says, Once I had established a fantasy about my father being alive, I was able to break it down and argue with myself, and then accept the fact that Father was dead. Adam is overwhelmed by witnessing the death of his father, but quickly calms himself in a mature manor, and in time to save himself. Not only has he witnessed the death of his own father who he had recently not been getting along with, but the death of many close family friends. The thoughts of having to take charge of his home now also enter into his mind, but he handles these situations maturely as the novel continues.

Being in this battle alone has matured Adam and has prepared him for adulthood in ways he has not expected. Fast writes on page one hundred seventy-eight, So did everyone else run away. Its all right for you to talk, but you dont know what it is to stand there and have all those guns go off in your face. Although Adam does run away from the scene when he witnesses the death of his father, he understands more than he did before because of this experience. He does not sit there and sob like a child, he realizes he has to contain himself and move on, making him a stronger character. He also knows first hand the damages war can have on a person and their family, and had to cope with it faster than people usually do.

Adam Cooper has become a stronger man throughout this novel. Once he took the step from childhood to manhood in war he matures quickly. Death in any situation usually causes people to appreciate what they have in life, and to not take it for granted. Adam realizes from the battle the love his family has for him, including his passed father, and the character Ruth. He takes on duties of his father and steps right into his position which is something only a mature boy could handle. Although the death of his father was disappointing, it benefitted him in the end and created a positive effect for the outlook on the rest of his life.