4. Explain the conclusion of the novel.

Chapter 19 is actually the conclusion of the novel but this is chapter 18:

Grief-stricken by his realization of cowardice, March decides that he will start his redemption by aiding the first woman he harmed: Grace. The reader is reminded of Grace's theory that March is not in love with her, but in an idea of her. If Grace represents Africa to March, it is no wonder that he would choose her to absolve him of his guilt. By helping Grace around the hospital, March is trying to help all of Africa. Grace's volatile reaction to March's actions symbolizes how weak March's attempt truly is. Changing bedpans and washing wounds will never pay back for the lives lost at Oak Landing. For a white man to assume so is adding salt to the wounds of lost black lives: "There are men of my own race more versed in how to fetch and carry than you will ever be. And there are Negro preachers aplenty who know the true language of our souls. A free people must learn to manage its own destiny" (p. 268). With nowhere else to turn, March's only option is to return home with the full regret of his actions weighing on his shoulders.