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In Cormac McCarthy’s ‘All the Pretty Horses’, the third chapter entails much discussion about cultural differences, especially in regards to the United States and Mexico. Upon arriving at the prison, John Grady meets Perez, an individual who lives in a hut on the grounds of the prison but isn’t actually in prison. Perez discusses themes about the Anglos and how they are closed in a rare way and that their image of the world is lacking a universal perspective. Furthermore, he is implying that ideas about cruelty are not comprehensive. In terms of American culture, he states that manhood is based on having a set of ‘cojones’ and this we lack; therefore, we aren’t practical. Perez can most definitely be interpreted as being an evil character. His personality is foreign to John Grady’s as he claims that evil is a real thing in Mexico.

After discussing the first chapter in class I have gone back to the text to further analyze some main points that happened. The main character John Cole brings up this idea of wild horses. He describes them as though he is fascinated with their wildness and their freedom. He further goes to relate them to man and their tendencies. Yet later in the book he was brought to this ranch where they tame wild horses. If you connect these too scene you can see that he shows how horses and men are not ‘useful’ until they are tamed and trained, but they are beautiful in their natural wild selves. McCarthy brings these two scenes together 100 pages apart and draws the significance together. He has done this at multiple points in his writing, where one scene plays off another that has proceeded it many pages earlier. It is an interesting way to bring a story and handful emotions together. As I was reading this next section I was waiting to see if there would be conclusions to previous conflicts in the book, drawing me further into the story. 

I found the first section of this reading to be a really interesting interpretation of a more modern America. The main character has decided to go to Mexico to escape his reality in America. His family farm is being sold off because his grandfather, who owned it, has died. The boys mother is an actress trying to make a name for herself in the city and has abandoned her son for her own dreams. The reason for the ranch being sold is because it has become an economic burden on the family. In the time period that this book takes place it is important to acknowledge that this was a time of industrialization in America. People were no longer growing food on their family farms, big companies were taking over and putting the little guys out of business. I feel that this family shows how this affected the average ranch family out in the west at this time in our history. 

In Cormac McCarthy’s ‘All the Pretty Horses’, chapter two encompasses many differences in cultures. One of which is revealed while John Grady and the great aunt play a game of chess. While conversing, the great aunt goes on to explain how all that a woman has is her reputation. Opposite to that of a man’s, women are unable to regain their honor if lost. Obviously, this discussion is directed into regards to Alejandra. John Grady continues on to say how this ideology seems to be unfair. In response to this, the great aunt implies that power is more critical than right. This way of thinking is very different from that of the United States culture. John Grady understands where the great aunt is coming from but is reluctant to change his viewpoints on this subject.

In Cormac McCarthy’s ‘All the Pretty Horses’, the opening chapter includes much discussion about negative themes; despite this, some positives do hold true. Most notably, there is an optimistic vibe in the friendship formed between John Grady and Rawlins. The two hold many of the same characteristics in terms of family issues; thus, they are complements of one another. John Grady comes off as the smarter and sharper of the two. While seeking work as cowboys deep into Mexico, the pair has been described by locals as ‘caballero’. Caballero is basically another term for a cowboy, but one of whom is very well respected. In comparison to American and Mexican culture, caballero and cowboy both represent ideologies of heroism and being gentleman-like. On the flip side of this, being labeled with the title of a cowboy in America can have the potential to entail a negative connotation. Often times, American cowboys can be seen as overly aggressive and disrespectful to animals. In contrast, the Mexican or Spanish meaning of caballero includes optimistic and well-respected characteristics. Upon their arrival to a foreign destination, John Grady and Rawlins are given immediate respect by the vaquero’s because they received the label of caballero. The various interpretations of the word cowboy depend on the culture and community that an individual derives from. Primarily due to their background, the local Mexicans offered a strong sense of admiration to John Grady and Rawlins. In spite of this, John Grady’s character develops as he begins to become more mature.