In this section of All the Pretty Horses we see key aspects of the characters personality traits and alot of conflict. Rawlins and Grady are transported to another prison facility. This new facility is very cruel and dangerous, from the moment they arrive they realize and understand that it is not a good place for Americans to be in. Grady and Rawlins are badly injured and attacked constantly during their first few days at the prison. During these first few days both Grady and Rawlins meet a prisoner who seems to have a lot of power within the prison. This prisoner, perez, says he can help them escape but only for money. Without any money the boys cannot bribe their way out of jail and are still stuck inside. After the meeting with Perez, Rawlins is stabbed in the courtyard of the prison and is taken away to the medical ward, making him lose contact with Grady. Grady goes back to talk to Perez because he is desperate to talk to Rawlins but Perez says he still will not help. Following the stabbing of Rawlins and the second meeting with Perez, Grady decides to spend the little amount of money he has on a knife in order to protect himself so what happened to Rawlin doesn’t happen to him. Unfortunately Brady is attacked and badly injured, luckily he is able to kill his attacker with the knife he bought. After being in the infirmary due to the injuries he suffered, both him and Rawlins are released with an envelope of money which was provided by the aunt who lived on the ranch they had recently worked at. Once they are released they both decide to go separate paths. Rawlins wants to head back to Texas and Grady wants to attempt to get their horses back and win over Alejandra.
This section of the novel reveals many interesting pieces of both Rawlins and Grady’s character. The horrible experiences that they go through in the jail show how strong they are. Grady is able to convince Rawlins to not give up even in this time of extreme difficulty. Even though they made it through this traumatic experience together they still decide to go separate ways in the end. Rawlins cannot live in this constant state of danger and fear which is why he decides to go back to Texas but Grady is still set upon seeking justice for himself and reconnecting with his love. The motivation to stay in Mexico for both of them differ significantly which is why Rawlins is leaving. The companionship that Rawlins and Grady have for each other is clearly exemplified during this tough time at the prison. Rawlins was motivated by Grady to continue on and having one another there for eachother helped both of them significantly. The tough aspects of the frontier are brought out heavily during this section of the book in that there is a lot of conflict and violence that the boys have to face. How does the separation of Grady and Rawlins show aspects about Grady’s character? How does the prison represent aspects of the frontier? Lastly, does the relationship between Grady and Rawlins show that individualism can sometimes be less favorable in places like the frontier?
2 replies on “ERA: All the Pretty Horses Pgs. 179-217”
To answer your questions, the separation between Grady and Rawlins demonstrates Grady’s passion. This can be seen as it is clearly not the safest idea, however, he is still motivated and decides to back. Also, the prison demonstrates the tough and brutal aspects of the frontier, as both Grady and Rawlins get injured. Individualism may not be favorable in places like the frontier because it can be a dangerous place, therefore, having someone by your side is very helpful.
This point in the book shows the true strength of John Grady Cole, and you make great points about this. Instead of giving into bribes, John Grady Cole stands his ground and asserts that he has no money to give, even though this may seal his fate. He is pragmatic in his choices and paints this idea that it is better to die honorably than to go down as a coward. Even though he has a bit of money, he decides to spend it on a knife to defend himself, instead of giving it away to people at the prison in hopes of a bit more protection, which I find further demonstrates the type of person John Grady Cole is.