Death and destruction do not affect the sky's blue serenity. As Henry observes the horrors around him in contrast with the beauty above, he realizes that the natural world is indifference toward the opposing sides in a civil war. He gradually understands that his frantic activity as part of the 304th New York Union regiment whether as green recruit, frightened deserter, or experienced soldier has little to do with the larger forces of an unchanging and uncaring, but eminently beautiful Nature