In Part 1 of The Kentucky Cycle, there are many negative stereotypical themes explored of Appalachian people, one of the biggest being a combination of violence and revenge.  In the Kentucky Cycle, the dynamic between the two major families, the Rowens and the Talberts, is similar to that of the Hatfields and the McCoys in that there is a constant escalation of force with a very strong eye for an eye preaching that takes place through the entire work.  Every time someone from one side kills another, no matter the reason, even if justified, it seems that death just follows death.  As the work develops, It does escalate until a character named Jed enters the scene, and though he does directly intervene and take place in the violence that plagues the two families, he does not seem to want any part of it save the seemingly justified act of killing Richard Talbert for the mistreatment of his family.  It is clear from Jed’s narrations that he has had enough violence and wants no more once his “balanced” deed is done with Richard whereas Ezekiel stops at nothing to completely annihilate the Talbert family and rid himself of “his problem” that is the other family.  It is clear that over time, this is wearing on the family and any malice present seems to be less until a later age.