The Pioneers by David McCullough Book Analysis

The highly acclaimed and accomplished author David McCullough implemented an innumerable amount of different themes throughout his infatuating novel. One could truly never become bored speaking about the themes used in McCullough’s book. The themes used throughout this, unique historical novel consist of, idealism, perseverance, resourcefulness, and anti-slavery just to name a few. 

To start off, idealism proved a theme very consistently used throughout the novel regarding a plethora of different matters. Finally, after weeks, months, years of back-breaking work, feeling as if the hardships would last forever, the pioneers had, at last, started improving their town and started forging Marietta into an ideal place to live. With enough elbow grease, and the will to press on, the residents of Marietta founded the first-ever elementary school and courthouse. “Log cabins were being replaced by more comfortable, luxurious houses with windows.” This quote demonstrates how Marietta proved its evolution and how it was starting to become a notable, comfortable town. At the time, Marietta was a “utopia” due to many different reasons. One of the major reasons it proved such a unique place was because of the law against slavery in Ohio. As well as slavery gone, they had also planned to found a university. “In January 1795, at a meeting held in Marietta, the directors of the Ohio Company determined that two townships be reserved for the creation of a university…” As well as idealism, perseverance, and resourcefulness are also frequently used throughout the novel. 

These two themes seem like they are used endlessly throughout the book. The Residents of Marietta proved a perfect example of these themes in countless ways. Unfortunately on the Cutlers’ journey to Marietta Ephraim lost two of his children and was required to bury them along the way, but they persevered through the problematic times and arrived in Marietta. “In 1800 a merchant named Charles Greene had a 110-ton brig built there on the riverbank...” Additionally, this proved recently the people of Marietta had become more experienced with designing and crafting boats. In 1797, Ephraim Cutler purchased 600 acres of land, which he then sold and gifted to numerous people (127). He did this because he longed to establish another brand-new settlement. Also, he planned to prepare the ground for planting crops to feed the people of the new settlement. Additionally, the theme of anti-slavery is also frequently discussed throughout the chapter. 

Slavery proved a very controversial topic in the United States with excellent reason. Article VIII is part of the final provisions of the Convention, and it speaks against slavery. Throughout this chapter, there appeared to be an ever-lasting battle between Thomas Jefferson and Ephraim Cutler regarding whether to keep slavery legal until the age of thirty-five or to completely outlaw it. On the day of the voting on slavery, Ephraim Cutler appeared as incapable of walking as a bedridden elder, due to his intense sickness. However, he persevered with the help of Rufus Putnam and one other man carrying him all the way to the courthouse (145). Furthermore, the entire political landscape had shifted after slavery was outlawed by only one vote. Also, to everyone’s surprise, Manasseh Cutler had been elected as a congressman at the whopping age of 58. Additionally, it seemed like everyone in the political scene were Jefferson Republicans. Anti-slavery proved a highly important theme, and will always act as a highly pivotal part of history. 

Themes prove an essential part of building a novel and will forever be essential. As expressed, the reason this novel seems so interesting and full of action is thanks to the fantastic themes implemented into McCullough’s fascinating novel.