The Glory Field

The Glory Field is about family; each of the six stories is about a different member of the Lewis family, and their role within its history. The concept of family is the principal theme of the narrative. Each of the stories is preceded by an image of the family tree showing where the characters from that story fit within the Lewis family unit. With each generation, members are reminded of how important it is to belong to the Lewis family. They share a strong bond that has seen them face separation, death, slavery and addiction together. As the family grows and changes, the profound connection continues.

In April 1900, the family consecrate the ground where their ancestors are buried. Honoring their dead ancestors shows that the Lewises view their family as a single unit, including those that have gone before: “Lord, bless this precious earth. Bless this ground, and keep it holy in Your sight as it is precious in ours […] Lord, everybody we ever loved is buried here” (78). Throughout the generations, the members of the Lewis family always know the difference between right and wrong. Even if it’s against their will, they always make the right choices.