Comparing The Power And The Glory And All The Pretty Horses

1. In both The Power and the Glory and All the Pretty Horses the main characters are set apart from the rest by their ability to display true acts of heroism. Neither John Grady nor the Priest are innocent men in the eyes of the law or the Lord. However, the value of a man is not measured through his actions alone, rather it is made up of the driving force behind these actions. Characteristics such as loyalty, perseverance, and an internal sense of duty to justice cause these men to work against their own wellbeing in favor of a larger benefit for humanity. It can be said that neither man is depicted as being a conventional hero figure due to the fact that oftentimes the internal dedication that each man has for their own beliefs are overshadowed

by the sins that they have committed. Throughout both novels the concept of heroism is heavily incorporated within the unwavering conviction and the courage of these two men.
Each of the experiences that John Grady undergoes and the decisions that he makes on his journey through Mexico help shape him into a man that’s worthy of admiration.

One of the most notable aspects of John Grady is the dedication he has towards justice and his own moral beliefs. He holds himself to such a high standard of moral justice, but he is also a human being with the tendency to fall into traps that cause him to sin. There are many instances in which John Grady is reckless and selfish even to the point at which he puts those around him in danger unintentionally. However, these flaws don’t hold him back from doing what is right at the point in which it is most crucial. The shift in John Grady’s sense of duty from himself to those around him is most clearly seen when he is willing to put himself at risk in order to protect his friends. Although he has no sense of obligation towards Blevins he is willing to provide him with the help that he needs even when it puts both him and Rawlins in danger. Even after they are thrown in jail on the account of Blevins, John Grady doesn’t resent him. When opposition rises up against him John Grady doesn’t confess or surrender, instead he pushes through and maintains the convictions that uphold his belief system. His ever faithful willingness to stand beside the law of justice and hold his ground against those that oppose it encourage John Grady to embrace the role of heroism that he has been called to

fill.
The true testimony of heroism that the Priest displays throughout his discipleship is his willingness to serve the people who need him even when he knows that doing so could hold deadly consequences for him.

Although Christianity has been disbanded from the law the sense of duty that he has to the children of Christ is what drives him to put aside his own eternal sin in order to relieve the suffering of others. As a Priest he has taken it upon himself to guide those in need and fight against the injustice of the world. Even as he was being lead to his capture the Priest is willing to help those who oppose him by hearing their confessions as well. Beneath the tough exterior that he has developed through years on the run from the law the Priest is a man who truly lives to serve those around him through his dedication to Priesthood. One of the most notable aspects of the Priest exists within the fact that even though he is so ridden with guilt over the fact that his soul is unable to be saved, he still finds the courage to comply with the spiritual requests of all those that call upon

him.
Time after time both men prove their loyalty and dedication to those around them through simple acts of heroism. In the case of the Priest it is often that he does not even realize the impact that he has had on the people that he encounters. Without knowing so he still continues to minister to those who need him without any regard for his own well-being. John Grady is similar in the sense that he is willing to put himself at risk in order to serve those around him. The sense of justice that calls to each of them guides the way they behave and how they perceive the world around them. Although neither of the men are exemplary human beings in the eyes of society each man has the ability to display heroic characteristics, such as courage, compassion, and loyalty, which sets them apart from those that oppose them.
Heroism within both of these novels exists due to the determination and faith each man holds for his own beliefs. Rather than conform or surrender both John Grady and the Priest fulfil their duties in the face of opposition. Although they may not be anything more than human beings, each man does the best that they can in order to pursue that path of justice in favor of true heroism.