Comparing Inman's Journey To Cold Mountain

With the lingering despair the Civil War had placed upon the nation, Charles Frazier’s "Cold Mountain" singles out a parallel journey mirrored between Inman and Ada while they evolve through perilous times while learning to survive on an uncertain journey that will promise nothing to either. Inman and Ada, navigate what is seemingly similar paths searching for life emotionally and physically, in hopes to return to each other. Inman’s journey will force him to be recognized as a deserter from the war, placing a bounty on his head, risking all he has in anticipations to one day be reunited with Ada. Ada, will alter her newly settled life at Cold Mountain to learn survival, no amount of formal teaching received in the past could benefit her in this struggle. With two journeys separated by the physical road traveled by each character, their journeys are similar in the ways …show more content…
Inman’s beliefs have been challenged by a war that he never truly understood or supported. The once understood concept of heaven is no longer entertained by Inman’s beliefs, the amount of death and ruin that Inman has encountered throughout his journey has tarnished his ideas of the universe he belongs to. His former Cherokee friend had passed down Indian folklore that would impact his belief in “another world, a better place.” A kinship with nature replaces any religious notions he once held to. Inman is found respecting nature and placing himself as part of nature, learning to survive with a place in nature, rather than positioning himself above what nature has to offer. While Ada questions her fathers previous teachings about the lack of importance the lands held. In reality, the more Ada is challenged by the lands, the more she learns to respect and become one with nature. She learns that as an opposing force she will not further in her existence because nature is much greater than previously