8. The following excerpt is from Union soldier Major Sullivan Ballou's Letter to Wife Sarah written in 1861. Read the passage, and then answer the question.
"I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the
blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing-perfectly willing-to lay
down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that
debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows-when, after having eaten
for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance
to my dear little children-is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of
my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you
, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless,
contest with my love of country?"
Which of the following best describes the motif that is present in this excerpt? (5 points)
National strength
Consequences of war
Nourishment
Imprisonment