Death Coming Up The Hill: A Novel

This section offers an exploration of the Far-Reaching Horrors and Enduring Impacts of War, interwoven with themes of personal struggles, sacrifice, fractured identities, and societal upheaval. Ashe’s journey reflects the complex interplay between personal turmoil and the broader societal chaos during a pivotal period in history and in his familial life.

Crowe deconstructs the idealized notion of heroism and critiques the romanticization of war, highlighting the disparity between cinematic portrayals and the grim reality of conflicts. Ashe’s childhood fantasies of heroism, shaped by war movies, illustrate an innocent belief in valor and sacrifice, wherein heroism is glamorized as “diving on a live grenade” (52) to save others. However, as Ashe matures, his perspective evolves, realizing the contrast between romanticized depictions and the complexities of real-life wartime experiences. He realizes “that life isn’t like the movies” (85). The shift in Ashe’s perspective reveals his growing understanding of the problematic nature of glorifying war and heroism. Moreover, Ashe’s coworker Reuben’s first-hand experiences dispel the glorified narratives and expose the devastating consequences of war. Crowe critiques the simplistic glorification of heroism while highlighting the Far-Reaching Horrors and Enduring Impacts of War.

Ashe’s household is a microcosm reflecting the broader societal conflict between traditional, conservative values and the emerging progressive ideologies prevalent during the era of the Vietnam War. The contrast between Ashe’s father’s beliefs and Ashe’s and Angela’s more progressive pacifist notions encapsulates the clash between generations. Ashe’s struggle to explain his father’s “old-fashioned attitudes” to Angela demonstrates the difficulty in bridging the gap between different ideologies ingrained by distinct generations (57). Moreover, Ashe’s critique of the “distant, senseless war” and Angela’s despair towards the world’s “madness and death[s]” underscore the disillusionment prevalent among the younger generation (88, 95), particularly as opposed to Ashe’s father’s “old-school views on politics, civil rights, and the war” (83). Ashe’s and Angela’s sentiments echo the frustration of many youths during the era, who questioned the rationale behind the war and grappled with the larger societal issues that permeated their reality. Through these contrasting viewpoints and discussions, Crowe illuminates the conflict between generations, highlighting the broader societal shifts in values and ideologies during a period of significant upheaval in American history.

As Ashe grapples with political and social upheaval, he also confronts a more personal issue: the dissolution of his parents’ relationship. Ashe’s parents’ reactions to the news of Martin Luther King Jr.’s death signify a critical turning point in their relationship. Ashe’s mother’s going “pale white and shaky” demonstrates her deep emotional investment in civil rights and her distress at the loss of a significant figure like Martin Luther King Jr. (51). In stark contrast, Ashe’s father’s reaction of laughter amid such tragic news highlights his insensitivity and his dismissive stance toward the Civil Rights Movement and its leaders. This disparity in their responses becomes a catalyst for Ashe’s mother to draw a decisive line. She declares, “[W]e’re done here” (51), signifying her breaking point in the relationship.

Ashe’s complex emotional response to his mother’s pregnancy reveals his Struggles with Identity and Responsibility. His initial inclination to be angry with his mother juxtaposes with his understanding of the broader circumstances that led to this situation. Ashe recognizes his parents’ shared responsibility for the breakdown of their marriage and acknowledges his “part of the fault” (82), albeit indirectly. His rational approach to this complex situation underscores his maturity and introspection in comprehending the dynamics of his fractured family. His emotional distress escalates due to the persistent “raw tension” between his parents, resulting in a fragmented family dynamic that affects him deeply. The description of Ashe eating alone, isolated from his parents’ divergent activities, signifies the emotional detachment and loneliness he experiences amidst their conflicts. Additionally, his naive belief that “a little sister” might remedy the fractured family dynamics reflects Ashe’s longing for stability and a sense of completeness within his household (72). Angela’s warning to be “careful what you wish for” foreshadows the challenges Ashe faces following the arrival of baby Rosa (72).

Ashe’s mother displays a resilient spirit despite the mounting challenges and adversities within their family. Her acknowledgment of Ashe as “the best thing” and hope for positive change within their fractured household signifies her determination to salvage their family (50). However, the recurrent mention of something “coming up the hill” suggests an underlying pattern of hope being overshadowed by impending difficulties (50). Despite the initial hope associated with the phrase, it ironically foreshadows Ashe’s unfortunate fate, culminating in the arrival of “Death” (51) up the hill. This cyclical pattern becomes evident in Ashe’s mother’s life, as each instance of hopefulness is met with subsequent misfortunes. She becomes pregnant with a man named Marcus’s child, prompting Ashe’s father to initiate a legal battle and move out. She persists in her hope that Marcus will provide for her, Ashe, and baby Rosa, only to receive the heartbreaking news in the next section of Marcus’s demise. Similarly, following the death of Martin Luther King Jr., she clings to hope for Bobby Kennedy, only to witness another tragic event unfold when he, too, is shot. The tragic events, rather than dampening Ashe’s mother’s activism, intensify her dedication to societal change. Despite facing personal hardships and the loss of hope associated with political figures, her response to adversity is to amplify her passion for advocating against the war, championing civil rights, and opposing Nixon’s presidency. This resilience highlights her unwavering commitment to fighting injustices, demonstrating a spirit unbroken by external tragedies and internal turmoil. The cyclic nature of challenges in the narrative is a commentary on the persistent struggles faced by individuals attempting to create positive change in a world marred by conflict and injustice.

Ashe’s character demonstrates a notable level of compassion and self-awareness and the capacity to learn from his parents’ mistakes. When faced with a disagreement with Angela over movie preferences, Ashe initially finds himself “acting like [his] dad” (61), recognizing a pattern of argumentativeness and stubbornness. However, Ashe consciously halts his actions to be more considerate of Angela’s feelings and choices rather than mirror his father’s behavior towards his mother. This moment of introspection marks Ashe’s decision to actively choose a different path in handling conflicts, especially in his romantic relationship. By opting to watch the movie Angela wanted to see, Ashe not only demonstrates his consideration for her preferences but also showcases his genuine desire to connect and be present with her. This incident serves as a pivotal moment in Ashe’s character development, revealing his inclination towards fostering understanding, empathy, and harmony in relationships, which stands in stark contrast to the strained dynamics he witnesses in his parents’ marriage.

Through Ashe and Angela’s relationship, the novel illustrates the transformative power of love and companionship amid the chaos and hardships of wartime. For Ashe, seeing Angela “turn[s] the bitter to sweet, and the fog [begins] to lift” (76). Ashe finds comfort and emotional support through Angela as she becomes a stabilizing force in his life, offering tenderness and understanding during tumultuous times. Their relationship serves as a sanctuary from the harsh realities of war, allowing both Ashe and Angela to explore vulnerability and intimacy. Ashe’s profound emotional connection with Angela represents a pivotal point in his personal growth, enabling him to open up and express his “stupid dream[s]” and deepest fears (72). Their moments together signify a safe haven where Ashe feels understood, accepted, and loved as the two share in their Struggles with Identity and Responsibility. The shared moment between Ashe and Angela in the shadows of his garage before the Sadie Hawkins’s dance epitomizes their profound need for emotional solace amidst the looming specter of war. Their intimate embrace and kiss resonate with a sense of urgency and vulnerability, hinting at the imminent uncertainties they face. Ashe’s description of holding Angela “like [he] was going off to war the next morning” underscores the fleetingness of their moment together and the weight of impending turmoil (55).

Additionally, the warmth, kindness, and acceptance Ashe feels from Angela’s family highlight his longing for a nurturing and loving environment, which contrasts with the fractured dynamics within his own household. Angela not only offers Ashe emotional support but also becomes a catalyst for his self-discovery and the articulation of his innermost “dreams, goals and fears” (69). As Ashe grapples with his fears and uncertainties about the future, Angela is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Their relationship becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, emphasizing the enduring power of love to uplift and inspire amidst the turmoil of war.