The Birth of a Nation Family Quotes

Although the film portrays Austin Stoneman in a harshly critical manner, it also shows him to be incredibly close with his daughter Elsie.

In keeping with its anti-war motif, the film focuses on the impact that the Civil War has on families. This would be a heart-breaking moment for any parent.

Although Ben's relationship with his little sister might be a little...intense by modern standards, Griffith clearly intends this to show his goodness as a sibling. These letters play a big part in keeping the dude sane on the battlefield.

See what we're saying about their relationship being a little intense? Jokes aside, this is another way of showing that the Cameron family is incredibly tight with one another.

This is their worst fear realized: the loss of a family member in the war. Regardless of what side you take in any given conflict, it's worth remembering that every soldier has a family who loves them very much.

Man, if it was this easy to petition the President, we'd have gotten our student loans cancelled out about ten thousand dollars ago—sheesh. Regardless, this shows the extent of Mrs. Cameron's love for her son Ben.

Although the Camerons have lost most of their money during the war, Flora cares so much about her big bro that she wants to make his return as special as possible.

Well that's one way of having your family's back. We don't know if we'd keep quiet if our brother joined a violent hate group, but to each their own.

All snark aside, this is a sad moment. Ben has always been fiercely protective of his little sister, and her death shakes him to his core.

On the other side of the Mason-Dixon line, Phil Stoneman tries to appeal to his father to chill out, but his request is denied. He's not a very sympathetic father, huh?