In Cold Mountain, Charles Frazier explores the fragility of the spirit through the protagonist, Inman. He confronts the idea that the spirit is weakened and perpetually vulnerable, facing constant threats to its existence. This portrayal casts a shadow over the resilience typically associated with the soul.

Inman's dismay stems from contrasting beliefs he has learned through religious teachings, which emphasize the eternal nature of the soul. The conflict between these two perspectives highlights a struggle to reconcile the perceived frailty of one's inner self with the hope of spiritual immortality.