No Country For Old Men Book Analysis

Within the 2007 film adaption of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, No Country for Old Men, sheriff Ed Tom Bell shares his perspective and those who pay attention to his thoughtful observations appear unaffected. The Coen brothers, who directed the film, acknowledge that the novel’s title is a representation of the sheriff’s perspective, but in contrast with the novel, the focus of the movie ‘s perspective involves emphasis on multiple character’s viewpoint and actions. To further clarify, the novel also highlights other’s motives and articulations, but McCarthy frequently provides Bell’s analysis of each surprising event and of his general outlook. The introspection that the book provokes when reading Bell’s ideas about the world, it is thought provoking, in contrast, the movie provokes more an emotional response and consequently is less stimulating. The reader is continually brought in to Bell’s personal reconciliation of himself and of his understanding of the world. Within Bell’s world, the reader understands there is a persistent longing for a clear …show more content…
Within the book, it becomes more evident that Bell is consumed with reconciling his own soul when he reaches out to his uncle Ellis. The reader learns that the motivation is not simply to save Moss and his wife Carla Jean, but to save himself. Not to discount his sense of duty and humanity which normally drives his action, as they were inherent in his character throughout. Specifically, within the novel, his constant evaluation and need to understand the world was due to Bell’s need to validate himself due to his inactions as a serviceman during World War II. He explains to his uncle Ellis that he deserted his troops to save himself, “They might could of all been dead by then. But I didnt know that. And quick as it got dark I got up and I left out of there.” (McCarthy