In Richard Brautigan's works, including "A Confederate General from Big Sur," characters navigate their lives in the backdrop of San Francisco, seeking refuge amidst the urban landscape. The urgency with which they leave conveys a sense of need for escape, hinting at deeper personal or existential struggles. The city becomes a symbol of anonymity, where they can lose themselves and ponder their realities.

One character makes a whimsical promise to another, insisting that they hold onto the belief of a family connection to a Confederate general. This playful assertion reflects Brautigan's blend of absurdity and sincerity, emphasizing the importance of personal myths in shaping identities. The promise to uphold this belief illustrates how narratives, even if untrue, can play a crucial role in one's sense of self and family heritage.