Analyze The Causes Of Sophia's War

While reading the book, Sophia’s War by Avi, the protagonist in the story faces many life changing events - or challenges - that affected her life tremendously from the ages 12 to 15. The story begins with Sophia and her parents fleeing back to their home in New York, which was overruled by the British. On Sophia’s way there, Sophia and her family witness a hanging. This was the hanging of Nathan Hale who was arrested for being a spy. This event had changed Sophia’s perspective on the war, and what she believed her purpose was. The text states, “Captain Hale was hung for being a spy. Over time, these consequences were enormous for me.” (Sophia, pg. 15) Sophia was a very brave young girl throughout the entire novel. Sophia had many challenges …show more content…
Sophia needed to earn money for her family, and she got a job for Mr. Gaine, her father’s publisher. A man named, Robert Townsend showed interest in Sophia and asked her to become a spy. Sophia agreed only because she had vowed to avenge her brother after he had died on a British ship. In the story, the text claims, “I vowed I would avenge William’s awful tragedy.” (Sophia p.37) Sophia goes to work as a maid in the General’s house, where former boarder, John Andre now works. While cleaning Andre’s office, Sophia comes upon letters written between two unknown people. Sophia finds out that General Arnold had been plotting to turn plans over to the British. Sophia knew she had to stop this plan so she quickly travels to West Point to ask William’s former friend, John Paulding, for help to stop John Andre and General Arnold. At first Sophia’s story did not seem believable because in the story Sophia states, “I know you only - at best - half believe me.” (Sophia pg.270) John Paulding still believes he should trust Sophia and decides to assist her with stopping the plot. Sophia knows she is doing her duty as a patriot and she knows none of this would have happened if it weren’t for her becoming a