Mythical Opposition in Western Film

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the western movie genre. The paper specifically examines John Belton's theories in relation to how nature and the main character are engaged in mythological opposition using the 1953 movie "Shane." The paper describes the movie and discusses how the various scenes add to the theme of mythical opposition.

From the Paper:

"Every good western movie has a final showdown. The final showdown symbolizes the final battle between the two opposing forces of the movie. In this case the Ryker gang symbolizes chaos and stands in the way of the march of civilization. The Ryker gang is as untamed as the forces of nature. In the final showdown of Shane the Ryker gang and the homesteaders Knight in shining armor come face to face. The scene takes place in a saloon and Shane is at first outnumbered. He stands very little chance of success, yet it feels compelled to continue because he feels that he must win this one for the homesteaders. The Ryker gang cannot prevail and continue with their reign of terror. Shame faces an enemy of mythological proportions and yet somehow manages to overcome them in the final scene."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Belton, John. American Cinema/American Culture. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1994.
• Shane (Stevenson 1953)

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