Peace/Violence:  Though Luke was beat up by some of the Latcher boys, it did not stop the Chandlers from taking in the Latchers once their house flooded.  The Chandlers did the right thing because of Rickey’s baby.  When help was needed they were there to lend their hands.

Hate/Love:  Though the Chandlers despise the fact that Ricky had a baby before he left for the war, they still provide the nurturing nature to the baby.  They do their best to make the baby feel better, and most importantly try to stop it from crying.  They even go to such lengths by driving around town, because the truck soothes the baby.

Power/Submission:  Luke submits to Cowboy’s threat after witnessing the murder of Hank.  Fear overwhelms Luke because he does not want anything to happen to his mother.  He obeys Cowboy and keeps quiet, instead of telling the truth about what really happened.

Honesty/Deceit:  Luke lies to his parents about what he saw.  Including watching Tally bathe, what really happened during the fight behind the Co-Op, and most importantly the murder of Hank.  Once the fear leaves Luke though, he knows that he should tell the truth no matter what the consequences might be.  He gathers up enough courage and tells the truth.

Peace/Violence:  The Chandlers try to stay at peace with themselves and the idea of Ricky at war.  The war is violent and they know this very well.  They pray for Ricky’s safe return and can not wait till he is back in their house safe and free of harm.  The Chandlers hope to have peace at Christmas, the date Ricky supposes he will be home.