Based on your reading beyond this paragraph, what is
an overall central idea that the author develops in The
Dark Game?
It may seem surprising that no Confederate sympathizers
took action against Van Lew, given her strong and public
views on secession and slavery. Surely there were
suspicions, especially among her upper-crust neighbors,
but the matter never went beyond those suspicions.
Historians have suggested that the secessionists were
victims of their own cultural bias, believing that no
aristocratic person, and certainly not a lady, would ever
consider taking part in anything as impolite as spying. A
true lady managed her servants, prepared parties and
gatherings, and blindly supported her husband. Such
attitudes worked in Van Lew's favor, diverting suspicion
from her.
- The Dark Game,
The Dark Game,
Paul Janeczko
Van Lew's actions of espionage were possible only
because she was a woman.
Van Lew's deviant behavior was not the norm for
aristocratic people.
Van Lew's heroism lies in that she openly spoke
about her views of secession and slavery
Van Lew's actions revolutionized the expectation
and role of women in society
CORECARO