The genre of the Western is often classified as escapist, and in keeping with the generic expectations: deWitt’s novel is situated in the mythical West, with the action taking place in California and Oregon during the gold rush, thus following the schematics of a mid-nineteenth century Western frontier. Not only does the storyline follow that of a classic western, but the novel also boasts hired gunmen, head bosses, gold crazed prospectors, big cowboy hats, and an ending where both the protagonists ride off into the sunset (Vanja 134) –arguably a metaphor for their return to their mother. There is no doubt that Patrick deWitt’s novel The Sisters Brothers (2011) is a combination of a traditional western with a twist (Vanja 139). Although the narrative voice could be considered limited in range (Vernon 1), it carries the capability of being deadpan and often comic.…
However, this became very confusing and complicated because of Matthew Elliot’s personal connections with the Indians. This didn’t help very much in the Battle of Tippecanoe because at the end of the battle the Indians had to retreat. Reading about the battles, and treaties in this book was very interesting. However, my favorite chapter and part of the book was the last. It talked about how Tecumseh died in the Battle of Thames.…
I honestly did not enjoy this book at all. It was filled with southern slang so you had to go back and repeating the sentences just to understand them. I hate historical fiction. I thought it was boring.…
Gary C. Anderson wrote the biography Sitting Bull and the Paradox of Lakota Nationhood in an effort to tell the story, from Sitting Bull’s perspective, of how the Lakota nationhood were committed to defend their land as well as examine the goals and purposes of the American culture to dominate upon them. Despite the factionalisms, encouraged by the federal government, in the Lakota that led to the division of the nationhood, Sitting Bull is considered one of the most significant and influential Native Americans in history because he would always look out for the best interest of the Sioux tribe and the Lakota nation by standing up against the American army who was interested in the relocation of Indians and the creation of reservations. It…
The glory days of the cowboys was but a small one, hardships would soon fall in the form of big swimming and buffalo chips. After the invention of barbed-wire in the 1880’s, long drive was introduced (Background Essay). With five million longhorns unbranded and unclaimed, ex-soldiers, vaqueros, and some Native Americans rounded the cattle up and begun the trestrus four month journey from Texas to the far away states of Kansas and Wyoming (Document A). Despite the raw adventure the cattlemen experienced, death and complications arose. Once the expedition was over and done with many cattlemen were faced with the question: Will I be willingly do this all over again?…
The book should be read by college students that really enjoy history; they would like the book a lot. If you are not really into history, this book may be boring to…
This is how Americans see them now. If a person were to go turn on the television, they would be able to come across a show from the wild west like Gun smoke or Bonanza. These shows have men who are tough and will not take no for an answer. This is what the western heroes did to take the land of the Native Americans. They use showdowns as a form of violence to portray its either going to be one way or the other and there is no in between.…
In the past there has been a stereotype that all cowboys are good guys, and they will do whatever it takes to bring justice to the well-known hero complex. In James Mangold's film “3:10 to Yuma”, Dan Evans is the cowboy who falls the most into the stereotype of being a better leader. He sacrifices his life to bring the thief, Ben Wade to his long journey of killing to a well anticipated end. Dan Evans follows the stereotype from the beginning. He is married with kids and has something to fight for.…
The Wild West is cherished by many people today as a period that remains distinctly American. With its sweeping landscapes, lonesome atmosphere, and adventurous pioneers, much can be appreciated about this period. However, the West has become saturated by stylized retellings and conflicting accounts of what really happened. By referencing multiple sources, a true telling of the American West should form, and beginning with a popular depiction of the period would help show just how flawed or accurate the public's perception is about it. Tombstone follows Wyatt Earp and his brothers, most of them being former lawmen, and their attempt to live amongst a powerful gang of outlaws.…
Published in 2003, The Hunters of Kentucky: A Narrative History of America’s First Far West, 1750-1792, is a collection of stories and characters important during America’s westward expansion. Written by Ted Franklin Belue, this narrative spans the years of 1750-1792 and covers seemingly every topic relevant during that time period. Belue is a history professor at Murray State University in Murray, KY specializing in Kentucky history and Pioneering and has written and edited several books on these subjects including; The Life of Daniel Boone and The Long Hunt: Death of the Buffalo West of the Mississippi. Belue says much of his inspiration comes from friend and fellow writer Winfred Blevins who is an award winning author of books within the…
One common misconception about the Old West was if it was violent or nonviolent. Because cowboys, Indians, railroad workers, settlers, and soldiers played out their disputes on the Great Plains. Which led to different beliefs if the West was violent or not. So was The Old West really violent? The Old West was located on the Great Plains (The Great American Dessert).…
There are no cowboys or savage Indians tormenting or being tormented, there is simply a task at hand having to do with their tradition. Rather than a film with hero John Wayne protecting the Wild West from the ambushing Indians, the audience sees Indians minding to themselves and fulfilling their own customs. The film emphasizes family over the little violence and prejudices taking place. This also takes place in the contemporary 20th century, while most of the notorious and stereotypical fashions of Native Americans were place in the 19th century classic Westerns. The elements that usually create a Western are not present in this film, there may be hints towards the past Westerns, such as the comment on cowboys and John Wayne, but no other part brings out the essence of a Hollywood…
The frontier is a mysterious place full of opportunity and potential. It is the place that lies between the known and unknown, between civilization and wilderness. Humanity has always pushed against the frontier, exploring and reaching out into the vast unknown. However, it seems that frontier has been pushed back so far that is all but nonexistent now. Modern maps with detail down to the almost the slightest detail.…
A Feminist Myth is one that regards women in a way where they are empowered and have equal, if not more, power compared to men. There is a sense of equality between men and women in feminist myths, and men are no more powerful than the women. One of the key ideas of feminism is that women do not have restrictions on what they can or cannot do. A Taste of Earth, One Hundred Eggs, and The White Buffalo Woman are all feminist myths, and the main characters, Au Co and White Buffalo Woman, are both culture bringers. In the beginning of both female’s journeys as culture bringers, the degree of feminism in their cultures becomes immediately evident.…
More to the point, I hate that this book had to be written. I had no knowledge of the Yaak valley before I came upon this book but thanks to the pictures that Rick Bass was able to paint I feel as though I know it and even if I never go to Montana or the Yaak valley I want to know that it is there in all its glorious mystery. I would highly recommend reading this book but fair warning; this unassuming volume is as deep and dark as the jungles of the Yaak valley. “The Book of Yaak” was published in 1996, nearly a quarter of a century ago, and it is just as relevant now as the day it was printed. We are still facing the same challenges illustrated in this book and it gives me hope that Mr. Bass is still fighting the good fight and that the Yaak is still a place of wilderness and…