Throughout the novel I have noticed some keys themes of family tradition, upholding a legacy, and want of power and money.

This first beings with Michael Rowen, the first Rowen we hear of, who backstabs his friend Sam in order to receive the trust and land he wants from the Indians. Michael then forces Morning Star into being his wife, and starting a family. Years later, this backfires. Michaels son, Patrick then kills him, forces his mother to leave the land, and forces Rebecca Talbert to be his wife after he skills her father as well. He had done those things because he wanted a piece of his fathers land as well as his blessings to be married to a Talbert. Patrick’s actions are a replica of his father with their “take what you want mentality”.

When Patrick is older, he then has two sons, Zach and Zeke. Their relationship is similar to the one Michael and Patrick shared. It was a constant battle for money and power. Only later to find one of his sons, Zeke, continuing that Rowen family tradition.

This is significant to the title because this lifestyle and repetitiveness is a literal cycle of family feuds in Kentucky that carries on for decades.