Shortly after learning of his parents’ divorce, John Grady is picked up on his way to San Antonio, Texas by a man who begins this conversation on the bases of John’s deservedness. It is this exchange that establishes the novels theme of actions speak louder than words. Within the first chapter, John’s deep integrity is evident. He is a man of few words which provides a stark contrast between him and his friend, Lacey Rawlins, who provides the majority of the dialogue within the first chapter. Later on, one can see Rawlins’ true character through the way he treats 13 year old Jimmy Blevins, suggesting that the characters in the novel who speak a lot are usually deceitful, unfaithful, and malicious, covering up their lack of truth with
