All the Pretty Horses: Analysis of Major Characters
"All the Pretty Horses" is a coming-of-age novel by Cormac McCarthy that explores themes of love, integrity, and the challenges of cultural conflict through its major characters. The protagonist, John Grady Cole, is a young man from an East Texas ranch who, after his grandfather's death, seeks adventure in Mexico. His journey becomes complicated when he falls in love with Alejandra, a strong-willed Mexican woman whose family forbids their courtship. John Grady's ideals are tested as he faces adversity from those who do not share his reverence for life. Alongside him is Rawlins, his loyal cousin and philosophical counterpart, who values friendship and loyalty despite differing viewpoints. They encounter Blevins, a troubled young boy whose actions complicate their journey and challenge Cole's sense of tolerance and humanity. Duena Alfonsa, Alejandra's aunt, provides insight into the societal and familial pressures that shape their lives, warning Cole about the cultural divides he faces. Ultimately, the novel delves into the struggles of maintaining one's values in a world fraught with conflict and the personal sacrifices made in the name of love.
All the Pretty Horses: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Cormac McCarthy
First published: 1992
Genre: Novel
Locale: East Texas and Mexico
Plot: Western
Time: 1949
John Grady Cole, the novel's protagonist, who grows up on an East Texas ranch. When his grandfather dies, he decides to seek a life of adventure in Mexico, taming horses and living free. Cole has a strong sense of the dignity of life and of his own integrity. These qualities are strongly challenged when he falls in love with a young Mexican woman; her family forbids him to court her. When he does so anyway, he is hunted down as a criminal, becoming involved in a case of alleged horse theft. Sorely challenged by men who share neither his reverence for life nor his hardy self-reliance, Cole manages to maintain his humanity and to survive largely on his own terms.
Rawlins, Cole's cousin and close friend. They team up to explore Mexico. Rawlins is something of a cowboy-philosopher, constantly asking Cole his views on the nature of life. Whereas Rawlins is loquacious, Cole is taciturn, exhibiting his ideas in action rather than in dialogue. Rawlins, like Cole, is a young man testing his convictions in an alien environment. Although he does not always agree with Cole, he sticks by his friend, valuing loyalty more than any other virtue.
Blevins, a young boy whom Cole and Rawlins meet on the road to Mexico. Rawlins is suspicious of Blevins, who keeps following him and Cole. Cole seems indifferent to Blevins but defends him when Rawlins attacks the boy for various indiscretions and reckless behavior. Both Cole and Rawlins suspect that Blevins is a runaway, and Rawlins is certain that Blevins stole a horse and is on the run. As Blevins' fate becomes closely tied to that of Cole and Rawlins, Blevins' hapless behavior becomes Cole's problem and an index of his tolerance and humanity.
Duena Alfonsa, the aunt of Alejandra, the young Mexican woman with whom Cole falls in love. Duena Alfonsa admires Cole, whose good manners and respectful demeanor convince her that he will listen to her warning to stay away from Alejandra. Duena Alfonsa confides in Cole her own disappointments, explaining at the same time much of the history of modern Mexico, the efforts to reform it, and the corruption it has not been able to control. Her words are meant to warn Cole that he is dealing with a culture that has no respect for his own principles.
Alejandra, the strong-willed Mexican girl who falls in love with Cole. She realizes that she and Cole are taking a big risk and that her family will never approve of him, even though he has served them faithfully and wants to do the right thing by her. She is powerless to prevent Cole's conflict with her family, and she is forced to promise not to see him again. Cole endures enormous physical and mental torment, separating him from Alejandra. He braves a return to the Mexican ranch, and she breaks her vow and sees him again, acknowledging his uncompromising pursuit of his love.