"All the Pretty Horses"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how in Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses" there are multiple factors that play into the constant conflict within the heart and mind of the central character John Grady, as well as many of the other secondary characters involved throughout the novel. It looks at how McCarthy uses the wilderness, and nature itself, as the central battleground within which John Grady is presented the opportunity to adapt and carve out his own "niche." It also discusses how McCarthy's contrasting of the natural world and the civilized world is ever-present throughout the novel.

From the Paper:

"McCarthy opens his novel with John Grady thrust into the midst of a life changing scenario. Grady is dealing with the death of his grandfather, something that is unquestionably difficult for any male to deal with. When faced with the death of a grandparent, particularly a grandfather, one has come to a changing point within a family's structure. Now the patriarch that has most likely been a constant for most of the grandchildren's lives, has moved on and left a position needing to be filled. Most view their grandfather as having been more in touch with natural side of life, having probably lived a life of lesser means compared to those who followed. The same seems to hold true with John Grady. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Blair, John (2003) Mexico and the Borderlands in Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses. "Critique" Vol. 42, Issue 3. Hedref Publications, Washington, D.C.
• Macdonald, Andrew (2000) Heroism and Romance in All the Pretty Horses. "Creative Screenwriting" Nov-Dec Issue. Erik Bauer, Los Angeles, CA

More papers on "All the Pretty Horses":

• Book Review # 73800 : "All The Pretty Horses"
• Book Review # 66674 : "All the Pretty Horses"
• Analytical Essay # 124903 : "John Grady in "All the Pretty Horses"

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