Susan: A Morally Developing Character

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Susan: A Morally Developing Character

The Last Silk Dress by Ann Rinaldi takes place during the Civil War in the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Susan Dobson Chilmark, a gorgeous, intelligent, dynamic fourteen-year-old girl, who vows to devote herself to the Confederacy and the Cause, narrates the novel. Once she meets her older brother Lucien Dobson Chilmark, she learns more about the past of her family, why he left the family, and he begins to change her thoughts about the War. Due to the guidance of others and the turmoil of the War, Susan develops morally in the novel.

After a close encounter with a violent mob of Confederate supporters, Susan's father Hugh Chilmark gives her momentous advice while confined in his office at Tredegar Iron Works, "'Do what you think is right. Even if it hurts those around you"' (14). The meaning of this quote is to Susan is to follow her heart even though the outcome of her decision may hurt those she loves. Hugh wants Susan to make her own decisions and not to follow the example of others. He also realizes Susan is growing up and will face many difficult decisions throughout her lifetime,