Theme Of Western Imagery In This Godforsaken Place

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Gunslingers, outlaws and cowboys all are conventional imagery that is found in the western genre. This Godforsaken Place by Cinda Gault utilizes these images along with several other aspects of a typical western novel to offer a compelling consider the genre. With the addition of classic historical western figures, such as Annie Oakley the sharpshooter, the James-Younger Gang of outlaws and the iconic “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the novel brings compelling western elements into play. It depicts numerous recognizable aspects of the western genre, through its use of outlaws, rule breaking and the Native Indian conflict. (Perret) Though the genre is challenged from its core by the protagonist of the story, Abigail Peacock and the iconic Annie Oakley. …show more content…

“The sheriff looked around to notice for the first time a forest stocked with Métis warriors, rifles cocked to their shoulders. I could hear the shock in the voices.” (Gault 208) The inclusion of the Native Indians in this story added an extra element of the western genre, turning this novel from a story about a young girl’s journey to how Abigail played a part in the conflict and rebellion. Native Indians play a large role in set up and the eventual solution in this narrative. Even as Abigail eventually works alongside the Métis, the division between Indians and the rest of society at the time is exhibited throughout the novel. Even within the band of outlaws that are a part of the Wild West Show there is a separation. The first instant readers are shown of this is when Abigail describes how “The Indians camped together without mingling too much with other troupe members. The Indian women lived in the Indian section of the show’s living areas, while the white women shooters camped together in their own section.” (Gault 116) The conflict involving Indians and land that takes place in this time, has created a rift between their community and the rest of society, with Indians either living on reservations or living in society, with limits. Even with this separation the outlaws are a more accepting group, with Bill Cody’s hiring of so many Indians in the Wild West Show being an initial problem as Abigail narrates “He had fought the government to be able to hire as many Indians as he needed, and altered their pay to justify getting them on the show.” (Gault 117) This incorporation in the novel of Bill Cody going the extra mile to include Indians in his show, demonstrates how essential Native Indians are to the western genre and how by having them present in the story it conforms to western

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