Many changes came about in 19th century America: changes which clearly affect Inman and Ada in Cold Mountain. Two significant changes can be seen in the roles of women in society, and a transition away from the classical “Southern way of life”. With men off at war, the roles of women changed drastically during this time. They were no longer able to simply be the traditional housewife: they were forced to take on new responsibilities in order to simply sustain themselves. This time was also a transition away from the traditional “Southern way of life”: the era of plantations, slavery, and devout evangelism was beginning to fade. Increasingly, people were abandoning morals and turning to lawlessness and anarchy. The late 19th century also
