In what ways do the various tensions in the novel (Indians and whites; soldiers and civilizations; America's recent past and its unsure future) underlie the story of Kidd and Johanna?

Discuss the various tensions in the novel: Indians and whites; soldiers and civilizations; America's recent past and its unsure future. In what ways do these tensions underlie the story of Kidd and Johanna?

It is history and gives substance to the hardships of the journey which they were on.

For nine years following the Civil War, Texas was in turmoil, as its people attempted to solve political, social, and economic problems produced by the war. The period of Reconstruction presented the old order with a critical challenge. US Army Federal troops began entering the state and their commanders believed that their duty, at least in part, was to ensure loyal government. Kidd was affected by this in many ways, but especially when his press and other possessions were taken during the falling economy of the Confederacy. The ever-present tensions between white settlers and Indians over land possession and control certainly caused the taking of Johanna and the killing of her family.

These tensions are played out throughout the story. It was a time of turmoil when one never quite knew what they would be caught up in next. The tension adds uncertainty, interest and drama to the novel.

The tensions during the various events in the story very much paralleled Kidd and Johanna's relationship. From the beginning when Kidd first scoffed at the idea of traveling with Johanna through the time when Johanna escaped from the camp site, there was a similar tension of trust and acceptance.

The historical tensions playing out during Captain Kidd and Johanna travels paralleled the tensions they were feeling. The tension to transport a child through perilous country, the tension to have her accept and trust Captain Kidd as a guardian and of course the tension to always be on their guard against would be attackers.

These tensions are certainly literally present throughout the story and of course directly affect the relationship between Captain Kidd and Johanna as they experience events together. However, I also think that the underlying uncertainly from all of these things must have added even more to the unease of their journey, especially since news was slow to travel from place to place. Though Captain Kidd ran into the group of men who tried to help him from the brothers in the upcoming town, that could easily not have happened and then could have driven right into town without knowing how wary he should be. That must have been very unsettling for everyday life during the time for a regular person, let alone someone taking a long and dangerous journey with a young girl that many people would not accept. Captain Kidd would have known that from the beginning and even if she had not been able to articulate it, Johanna would have understood that as well.

The tension was apparent throughout the book like an unseen character. The tension between the white settlers and various Indian tribes, the tension left over from the Civil War, the appearance of Federal solders,
the perils of the journey to Castroville and the reunion of Johanna with her relatives. All of which make the story more believable.

It must just be human nature to look for conflict, even when none exists. The need to be better, revered, richer, smarter...all of these do not make for harmony in any setting. It would be nice if people, like in the German community, rallied around each other in time of joy and sadness. Unfortunately, many people are like the Wilhelm and Anna...sad...

The tensions in the book reminds me of recent political tensions. The Captain working to help towns people understand people they view as outsiders that they do not connect with and a little girl who does not meet their standards.

The tensions in the book reminds me of recent political tensions. The Captain working to help towns people understand people they view as outsiders that they do not connect with and a little girl who does not meet their standards.

Each era in history has its own particular set of tensions. The ones that Captain Kidd and Johanna dealt with were the consequences of post-war turmoil and confusion.

The tension they encountered along the way mirrored the tension between Captain Kidd and Johanna, but also the tentative nature of Johanna's future. It was never going to be easy, just as the journey to her aunt and uncle was not easy. But they persevered and survived. The various obstacles were a metaphor for the struggles of a captive child being returned to non-Native life and the struggles of a man who had just found a child he adored but was supposed to give up to a life she would not like. It was beautifully done.