The Age of Acrimony Book Analysis Essay Example

I love how Grinspan took the different perspectives of the different political figures within this book. I believe this truly shows the differences in politics within this time period. Seeing history through these different perspectives gave me a better understanding of what was going on and how different people reacted to different situations. William Kelley, being one of the main figures in this book, showed time and time again his loathing for slavery. He also showed his stance on women rights by risking his daughter to be educated in the world of politics, and while the phrase stands, “actions speak louder than words,” Kelley proved for his words to be the exception. 

In this book Grinspan's choice to take us through the time period after the civil war was an interesting one. In this time period we see a lot of conflict even though the war has already been fought. William Kelley experiences this conflict first hand on multiple occasions during his speeches when he gets ridiculed and even shot at. I've noticed one of the themes in this book seems to be conflicting opinions within our country. 

 I think another idea that the author is trying to get across is the similarities of the past and present. While reading this book I have noticed that while we think that our government has progressed enormously, in truth we still have major problems similar to those we have faced in the past. We think that we have progressed through the problems and violence that was used back then and while in many ways we have in a lot more ways we seem to have stayed trapped in the past. Violence has always been a major issue in society and some like to think that we have become less violent; however, we have had multiple occasions of political figures being assassinated or shot by people who differ in opinion, along with multiple violent riots. A common phrase that fits this theme is, “Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it.” I believe that a reason for Grinspan's writing is to show us how politics were back then so that we don't repeat the same mistakes our ancestors did. 

Even through the political conflict, Grinspan adds the idea of love to his retelling of history. A main theme that I've found within this book seems to be family. The way Grinspan chose to retell this story through the perspective of William Kelley has a purpose of relating Kelley's love for his family to the government and how it functions. Even though there is conflict within the government each politician has a love for his country. As a result of this they thrive with one another for the benefit of the county as a whole. However, while this is not always true I like to think of the government as a family full of different people who share a similar goal.  The way Kelley educated and supported his daughter but also loved his country and what it stood for is truly inspiring. 

Overall I really enjoy the way Grinspan puts history into perspective. The way he wrote this book to feel as if I were reading a novel is entertaining and it grabs my attention. I can honestly say that I’m excited to finish reading this book and learn more about the politics of the reconstruction era.