The Theme of War in Fool's SanctuaryOne of the themes addressed by Jennifer Johnston in her book Fool's Sanctuary is war. As part of this theme, she examines how people perceive war and how war affects different people. In this book, Johnston shows the war in a bad light. Miranda, Mr Martin and Cathal all supported the IRA or believed in a 'free' Ireland and have all lost something important to them. Andrew and Harry, who fought against the IRA and believed that Ireland should not be free, saw nothing taken away from them that was very important to them. Although Andrew was virtually unable to visit his immediate family, he had not done so in years, and during this visit where the story takes place, he had an argument with his father. Miranda said he shouldn't have come, and he himself said he hated Ternon. Cathal is Ternon's most rational character. Unlike the other characters, he sees things as they are and does not try to hide from the mistakes he does not want to face. The main flaw in his character lies in the fact that he does not always anticipate, or at least not until it is too late. This is seen when he returns after telling the IRA about Andrew and Harry's stay at Ternon and he stands outside debating whether or not he should tell them what he did. In the end, Cathal admitted his mistake. In addition to showing his strong conscience, it also shows that he does not let his emotions influence his judgment and values. As he stood in the rain, he was Harry comforting Miranda. He could very well have taken this as something more than what it was and let the IRA come and kill Andrew and Harry. Cathal's conscience turns out to be very strong, and this is the reason why he was able to give his life. The way Cathal changed his mind about what was the right thing to do shows the irrationality of war. Cathal supports the war enough to be a member of the IRA, and it is this loyalty that led him to tell them about Andrew and Harry. When he changed his mind and told Andrew and Harry what he had done, it showed Cathal's love for people..