In Cormac McCathy’s novel “All the Pretty Horses”, John Grady Cole serves as an accurate representation of the Anglo-Protestant culture described by Samuel Huntington in his book “Who Are We: The Challenges to American National Identity.” Huntington describes America’s Anglo-Protestant culture as concisely defined by an almost universally accepted American Creed. Scholars differ in their specific articulations of the creed, but whether its a commitment to “the essential dignity of the individual human being, of the fundamental equality of all men, and of certain inalienable rights to freedom, justice, and a fair opportunity” (Huntington 68) or “to liberty, equality, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and private property” (Huntington 46), all definitions center around the same core principles found in early American dissenting protestant culture. John Grady Cole is an excellent exemplar of these principles. His tale of riding into unknown territory with nothing but his wits and his work is as American as can be. Three principles of the American creed that he embodies most obviously are strong individualism opposition to hierarchy, and commitment to principles, no matter the cost.
Before departing from his home country, John Grady Cole is distinctly aware of all the reasons he should not go to Mexico: the country is foreign to him, it is more dangerous than the United States, the same work will pay less, among others. In spite of this, he chooses to venture onward with only his horse and his most trusted companion. Along the way he faces challenges and setbacks, but no obstacle shakes his resolve. The same unquenchable spirit that in America has demanded neverending progress flourishes within John Grady Cole. What else could sustain him through loss after loss but a foundational belief in his individual will?
When John Grady Cole moved to Mexico he entered into a hierarchical environment that runs directly contrary to his American principles. When he and Rawlins arrive at Don Hector’s hacienda and see Alejandra ride by, he does not let hierarchy stand in the way of his desires. Cole’s position on the hacienda as a ranchhand places him at the bottom of the social order and thus, according to the prevailing social rules, the Don’s daughter is completely out of his reach. His opposition results in imprisonment and near assassination, but neither deters him for an instant. In the end, it is Alejandra who says no to John Grady Cole, but had she not, he would have continued disobeying the hierarchy with her for the rest of his life.
The most significant way in which John Grady Cole exemplifies the American creed is his commitment to his values, no matter the cost. After he and Rawlins are arrested but before they are taken to prison, an official gives them the chance to sell out Blevins in exchange for their freedom. The official makes it explicitly clear that this is their only out, refusal will result in them being sent somewhere from which they can not escape. John Grady Cole refuses to comply, demonstrating his commitment to honesty and loyalty regardless of the consequences. Another fundamentally American principle he holds sacred is the inherent dignity of human life which becomes particularly relevant to the plot of the novel after he captures the captain who facilitated Blevins’ execution. After being taken deep into the desert, the captain fears for his life and asks John Grady Cole if he plans on killing him. Cole responds he will not; “I ain’t goin to kill you…I’m not like you.” (McCarthy 278) Even though the captain is burdening him and may seize an opportunity to attack him, John Grady Cole will not kill him because that is simply the wrong thing to do.
Throughout the plot of the novel, John Grady Cole spends most of his time adventuring through a foreign country, which only serves to make his Americanism stand out. In a land with a different culture, Cole continues to exemplify the American Creed, and his commitment to these principles infinitely outweighs the expedience of changing himself; there is no greater testament to American individualism and identity than that.