My imagine of the wild west is more confirmed after reading All the Pretty Horses. Not one character is short of being who I would think wild west people to be. The language they use is exactly what I would expect. For example, Rawlins was speaking to some young girls, “They aint goin to bring you no damn cigarette” (154). The broken English and specific emphasis screams out the distinctive southern accent.
There are some key values that are represented over the course of the novel. The loyalty of John Grady and Rawlins to Blevins is one to look at. They had recently met him and soon they are all in trouble with some Mexican ranchers. Blevins’s horse is stolen and he steals it back, but in doing so kills three Mexican ranchers. John Grady and Rawlins go searching for Blevins to help him. The two only have known of Blevins for a short period of time, but are willing to risk their lives in order to help a friend. The passion of John Grady is something that can be influential to others. Any form of success needs passion. There needs to be care in order to reach success and that is shown in John Grady’s actions.
One reply on “All the Pretty Horses Pg.139-217”
I agree with this opinion of John Grady, with every chapter more and more traits of a natural-born leader are revealed and he is very much a lead by example kind of guy. Unfortunately, the loyalty that will gain him respect and appreciation is also the same thing that gets him in trouble with the law in Mexico. It will be interesting to see if Grady ends up regretting that decision and decides to adjust that trait of loyalty that he possesses.