No Country For Old Men

In the novel No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy, the increased brutality and violence along the Texas-Mexico border leads to various moral conflicts among the citizens as well as authority figures. Because of this ominous presence, the characters, especially the older men, are forced to combat such violence and brutality, with varying degrees of success. Although experience and ethical obligations can allow for some success, it is ultimately achieved by those that are able to conform to such brutality rather than fight it. In the novel, Anton Chigurh represents the new era of men in Texas through his defiance of law and justice whereas Sheriff Bell stands for the old values of the country and Llewelyn Moss holds a position in the world between the two ultimatums. Throughout the novel, the drastic societal alterations affect characters differently depending on their moral values and physical capabilities thus revealing how the country has become too violent and brutal for the men who rely on justice

As the state becomes more violent and brutal, some characters are able to prosper, while others are defeated by the lack of law and humanity. Anton Chigurh is the epitome of the what Texas is evolving into. His lack of authority and humanity allow him to adopt the new ways and accomplish his prospects without struggle. On the other hand, Sheriff Bell’s reliance on the old ways ultimately prove to be inefficient in handling this society. Between these two ultimatums is Llewelyn Moss, whose ignorance of what society has transformed into eventually leads to his demise. Ultimately, those that were able to conform to such a brutal society were able to thrive, whereas those that relied on the old ways of law and ethics were eradicated as they could not keep up with