Throughout history, many humans have experienced how human relationships are not always long lasting and eternal; for example, marriage, dating, and friendship. Displayed within the novel are several key elements that occur repeatedly, the reader often finds oneself rethinking the provoking thoughts that a character reflected upon. The reader also stumbles upon the characterization that emerges within the protagonist of the old country boy, John Grady Cole, as he battles his way through his arduous journey out to Mexico in search for an escape from mundane life. As he encounters numerous obstacles in his journey, John Grady is allotted time to reflect on what is brought to his attention. Most of these reflections arrive in a philosophical manner …show more content…
regarding nature while he is immersed in that very nature, breathing it, feeling it, seeing it, and hearing it. Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses, depicts a young man who has decided to leave home in order to make a new life for himself that is seperate from his troubled and distant mother and away from his dying father.
As he escapes from his old life, he brings along his lifelong friend Lacey Rawlins where they both run off to Mexico and find themselves as horsebreakers on a ranch in Mexico. Numerous critics have analyzed and detailed McCarthy’s work such as, Bill Vereen in “Southern Review of All the Pretty Horses”, “Modern American Literature of Cormac McCarthy (1933)”, and Jianqing Zheng in “A Note on All the Pretty Horses”. Each piece approaches the novel from a slightly different viewpoint; however, each share a commonality that displays McCarthy’s works as an immersible piece of literature that delivers the wildness of nature to the readers hands. Cormac McCarthy uses characterization, reflections of characters, and philosophical interpretations throughout "All the Pretty Horses" to demonstrate how unity with nature is the only durable relationship in …show more content…
society. In Modern American Literature of Cormac McCarthy, the author examines the setting in which the novel takes place as the essence and overall “big-picture” of the piece. The author further details how the land itself is the prominent motivator in Grady’s actions and is ultimately the force in which drives Grady. With John Grady progressing into his journey into Mexico McCarthy constantly brings the landscape into description. As described in Modern American Literature of Cormac McCarthy: “The land before him holds much promise for John Grady Cole, for his imminent education as a breaker of horses and prodigal son, as a boy turned man by means of love and tested by imprisonment and the blade.… The Mexico that rises up before us in the subsequent sections of the novel is, as Paz argues about the Mexico of Lawrence, Lowry, and Rulfo, not so much a visionary landscape as a landscape of vision. The land is the promise, the promise is the land; alive, a symbol, a voice, a character, the book itself.” (249) Although the land certainly plays an important role in the way that Grady experiences his obstacles, such as the presence of horses, the land does not become the focal point of the novel. Rather than the land being “the novel itself”, the land is the way that McCarthy expresses the connection between man and nature, it is the vessel in which his expression resides. As John Grady lays down after a day’s work he reflects, “Horses still wild on the mesa who'd never seen a man afoot and who knew nothing of him or his life yet in whose souls he would come to reside forever” (McCarthy 118). This relates to the way that nature is able to reside in humans but only through the help of horses; or in general, other objects in nature. The role that horses play in this scenario is to show how important singular pieces of nature are to the ability to establish relational and emotional connections with humans and nature in general. Despite the fact that the land is where nature resides, nature is rather the main focal point in which McCarthy uses to illustrate the unbreaking connection between nature and humanity. As John Grady progresses in the novel as the protagonist, the reader becomes aware of characterizations made by McCarthy on Grady. Towards the beginning of Grady’s journey with his friend and his new counterpart, Grady reflects, “He lay a long time listening to the others breathing in their sleep while he contemplated the wildness about him, the wildness within” (McCarthy 60). This correlates with the deep reside that the wilderness has taken within Grady and continues to demonstrate the durability that nature has within humanity once realized by the inward self. Grady also continues to resemble this strong connection to nature through the relationship he has with horses. As Zheng details, “The description of John Grady's close relationship with the horses reveals his affinity with nature and the philosophical notion of an essential unity of human beings with the universe that connects the external world and internal emotion” (Zheng). This quote directly shows how unification with nature is derived specifically through the relationship that Grady has with the horses. Therefore, the horses are Grady’s way of connecting to the nature in order to achieve unification. McCarthy relies on the use of reflections of characters to illustrate the overall meaning of the novel. Towards the conclusion of the novel John Grady reflects over his time in Mexico and the struggles he endured, Grady reflects, “He thought the world's heartbeat at some terrible cost and that the world's pain and its beauty moved in a relationship of diverging equity and that in this headlong deficit the blood of multitudes might ultimately be exacted for the vision of a single flower” (McCarthy 282). This demonstrates the deep nuances that are only found once connected with nature, thus illustrating the importance of becoming unified with nature so that one can experience the moments in which bring forth these notions. This shows the detailed works of nature in regards to how something so small will be sought revenge upon, further examining the incredible meticulousness of nature. Further detailing this, Bell states, “The deepest offense in this story is to steal another's horse, and much of the novel's action is devoted to the obsession with recovering those that have been stolen and restoring them to their rightful owners, for such a theft is not simply a crime but the desecration of a type of invisible bond with the powers of the earth” (Bell). This continues to show the human correlation with nature that, if broken, can cause vengeance and gruesomeness towards those that come between the enduring relationship. However, through this immense bond that is formed with nature, such as the one Grady has formed, humans are able to establish a relationship that is lasting and nurturing. The effects of having a nurturing relationship is similar to that of any other relationship. It provides warmth and worth into a person’s life. Through the use of philosophical interpretations of nature and the cycle of life, McCarthy demonstrates an overall appeal to the reader’s logical standpoint on life.
While John and Rawlins were working for the ranch while on top of a mountain, Grady reflected on what an indigenous native Mexican stated, “...he said that it was good that God kept the truths of life from the young as they were starting out or else they'd have no heart to start at all” (McCarthy 284). This shows that in order for man to discover the truths about himself and other things around him he must first uncover the truth that lies in the unification with nature. This philosophical nuance of McCarthy’s is further detailed by Zheng when he states, “One striking characteristic of Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses is the philosophical descriptions of horses that relate the protagonist John Grady Cole's mind and love” (Zheng). This continues to tie in and interlock with the ideas addressed through McCarthy’s characterization of Grady and serves as a reminder of the example that Grady sets for unification between humanity and nature. Therefore, McCarthy’s use of nuances that approach the philosophical side of nature are able to serve as a reminder of the availability of a deeper connection with nature that can reside in a human for the rest of their
life. While society progresses, humanity continues to lose the connection and unification that humanity should desire to have with nature and the wilderness within the world. McCarthy’s use of characterization of John Grady provides an example of how unification through nature might appear in a person and how they might use it to enhance their overall intelligence of the world around themselves. With McCarthy’s use of character reflections as a way of communicating the meaning of the novel, the reader does not just receive a lesson, but rather is allowed to relish in an idea that can require deeper critical thinking which is more likely to resonate with said reader. Furthermore, his use of philosophical nuances contributes to the same likeness that the reflections of characters has on the reader, all the more filling in the missing gap that lies between nature and humanity. By examining how nature can act in our lives and create a drive within humans, a resurgence can spread across humanity to return to humble beginnings and connect with “concrete” objects.
So finally he is back from where he started – the life influenced by those around him. Soon he found himself playing the ball accordingly. He recognizes that in contrast to his idea of seeing himself as an independent and unique identity is a myth in the real world. Nevertheless, in the end John Grady is still headed west (p.302), just as he does at the beginning (p.5). Does he still hope for better pastures further west of Mexico?
McCarthy, Cormac. All the Pretty Horses. The Border Trilogy ed. Vol. 1. New York: Vintage International, 1993. Print. "He opened the knife quietly against his leg and his belt... John Grady held the spoon in his left hand and gripped the tray. The boy came opposite of him. He passed. John Grady watched him with a lowered gaze. When the boy reached the end of the table he suddenly turned and sliced the tray at his head." (pg.
He is expressing his opinion to his audience in the hopes that they will recognize this and try to change how the world is; Cormac McCarthy is hoping that someone will decide that they need to become more just, and thus begin to bring justice back into the world. Throughout the novel Cormac McCarthy is expressing his idea that justice no longer exists, which he views as a problem, through having John Grady search for justice yet never find it. Not only are we presented with the issue at hand but we are also presented with the solution; be a just person and bring back the justice that is lacking in the world today. He shows us this solution when he has John Grady search for the true owner of Blevins horse even though the judge has labelled the horse as
Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses. In All the Pretty Horses, Cormac McCarthy reveals the limitations of a romantic ideology in the real world. Through his protagonist, John Grady Cole, the author offers three main examples of a man’s attempt to live a romantic life in the face of hostile reality: a failed relationship with an unattainable woman; a romantic and outdated relationship with nature; and an idealistic decision to live as an old-fashioned cowboy in an increasingly modern world. In his compassionate description of John Grady, McCarthy seems to endorse these romantic ideals.
The times are changing and he's unwilling to give up the past. The world is becoming modernized and people like him, cowboys and ranchers, are slowly disappearing. He runs away from home because he desires to find peace within himself as well as a place where he can feel he belongs. Here begins the adventure of John Grady and his best friend Lacey Rawlins. It is important to note here the means of travel. The story is taking place after World War II, a time when cars are fairly common, yet these boys decide to go on horseback, like in the fading old days. This is just another concept of how they are unwilling to give up a fading past. When they first begin their journey, the boys are having a good time. In a sense they?re two buddies on a road trip with no real motive. Rawlins even mentions, ?You know what?I could get used to this life.? Then they meet Blevins, the foil in the plot that veers the two boys of their course and also has plays a role in the lasting change of their personality. Their meeting with him gives an insight into Grady?s character. Rawlins is against letting Blevins come along with them, but because of John?s kind nature he ends up allowing Blevins to come. It?s because of this kindness and sense of morality, he gets into trouble later on.
The protagonist is to find disappointment and failure in all his pursuits. “Bordertown” opens with a law school commencement where Johnny is introduced as a “tough kid” who came out of the barrio and overcame many obstacles to successfully graduate from law school. Here, we are also introduced to Johnny’s over- affectionate, dim- witted mother and his local parish priest. Together, they act as his support group and often discourage his ambitions.
When individuals face obstacles in life, there is often two ways to respond to those hardships: some people choose to escape from the reality and live in an illusive world. Others choose to fight against the adversities and find a solution to solve the problems. These two ways may lead the individuals to a whole new perception. Those people who decide to escape may find themselves trapped into a worse or even disastrous situation and eventually lose all of their perceptions and hops to the world, and those who choose to fight against the obstacles may find themselves a good solution to the tragic world and turn their hopelessness into hopes. Margaret Laurence in her short story Horses of the Night discusses the idea of how individual’s responses
Horses are the most noticeable symbol in the whole book. Horses are a necessity to the boys. The horses are political and economic assets to Grady, Rawlins and Blevins. Specifically for John Grady, horses are more important to him than humans. He constantly dreams of him running with horses and always thinks about them. To Grady horses are like a way to distract him from all his problems and give him a sense of freedom because he does not have to worry about all the stress, problems, and people. Grady relates humans and horses stating that horses are superior to the human race. "Finally he said that among men there was no such communion as among horses and the notion that men can be understood at all was probably an illusion." (Page 111) Grady has a passion for horses. He tells the horses everything like his life story, his thoughts, and secrets. Since Grady does not trust humans he turns to the horses as an output. Grady’s love for horses reveals more about Grady himself. It makes Grady seem like a fairly lonely person because he only trusts horses and prefers horses over humans.
“Into The Wild” by John Krakauer is a non-fiction biographical novel which is based on the life of a young man, Christopher McCandless. Many readers view Christopher’s journey as an escape from his family and his old life. The setting of a book often has a significant impact on the story itself. The various settings in the book contribute to the main characters’ actions and to the theme as a whole. This can be proven by examining the impact the setting has on the theme of young manhood, the theme of survival and the theme of independent happiness.
Hemingway presents takes the several literary styles to present this short story. Hemingway’s use of Foreshadowing, Pathos, Imagery and Personification allows the reader to enter the true context of the frustration and struggle that the couples face. Although written in the 1920’s it the presents a modern day conflict of communication that millions of couples face. At first glance the beautiful landscape of the Barcelonian hillside in which Jig refers to frequently throughout the text appears to have taken the form of White Elephants. The Americans’ response to Jigs’ observation was less than enthusiastic as he provides a brief comment and continues on with his cerveza. This was but the first of the many verbal jousts to come between Jig and the American. The metaphorical inferences in those verbal confrontations slowly uncover the couple’s dilemma and why they may be on the waiting for the train to Madrid.
Many authors are recognized by a reoccurring theme found throughout their works. The author D.H. Lawrence can be classified into this group. He is well known for his reoccurring theme that romantic love is psychologically redeeming. He wrote “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” , a short story that exemplifies this theme quite accurately, in 1922 (Sagar 12). Through excellent use of symbolism in “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter”, Lawrence renders his theme of romantic love being psychologically redeeming through the emotional development of the two main characters, Mabel and Dr. Fergusson.
Through the characters' dialogue, Hemingway explores the emptiness generated by pleasure-seeking actions. Throughout the beginning of the story, Hemingway describes the trivial topics that the two characters discuss. The debate about the life-changing issue of the woman's ...
Dorothy Johnson in “A Man Called Horse” writes about a young man who was born and raised in Boston. He lives in a gracious home under his grandmothers and grandfather’s loving care. For some reason, he is discontent. He leaves home to try to find out the reason for his discontent. Upon leaving he undergoes a change in status and opinion of himself and others. He begins a wealthy young man arrogant and spoiled, becomes a captive of Crow Indians- docile and humble, and emerges a man equal to all.
“All the Pretty Horses”, a novel written by Cormac McCarthy tells the tale about a man and his friend travelling the plains of Mexico after leaving their homes in Texas. As the novel’s name alludes to, horses are a central theme in the story as they represent manhood and freedom when John Grady, the protagonist, and his friend Rawlins get thrown in jail. McCarthy’s novel became critically-acclaimed which gained him more recognition, as well as a movie adaptation directed by Billy Bob Thornton. Even though Thornton’s adaption has the basics of the novel’s story it does not appropriately grasps its depth. While Thornton’s version stays faithful to the dialogue from the book’s included scenes it does fall short by having an erratic pace, having
In a symbolic reading, the opening paragraph describes the crisis that exists in the marriage of the couple. In other words, the description of the bad weather, of the "empty square"[1](l.10) and of their isolation, reflects this conflict and also sets the negative mood. In fact, since the beginning, Ernest Hemingway insists on the isolation of the couple that "does not know any of the people they passed" (ll.1-2) and are "only two Americans"(l.1). Here it is interesting to notice that they are isolated from the outside world but also from each other. There is no communication and they have no contact, they are distant from each other.