The Track of the Cat: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Track of the Cat" is a novel centered on the Bridges family, proprietors of a ranch in Nevada, exploring themes of fear, family dynamics, and the struggle with nature. The narrative primarily focuses on the relationships among the major characters, each embodying distinct perspectives and traits. Mr. Bridges, the patriarch, is portrayed as an irresponsible drunkard who relinquishes ranch management to his sons. Arthur Bridges, a dreamer and sympathetic to indigenous beliefs, becomes a victim of the mountain lion, a central symbol in the story. Joe Sam, the Indian hired man, represents traditional wisdom and spirituality, believing in "medicine" to confront evil, ultimately assisting in the hunt for the lion.
Curt Bridges, the eldest son and a natural leader, faces his demise sparked by fear, emphasizing the psychological impact of the lurking danger. Harold Bridges, the youngest brother, transitions from a passive observer to an active participant in the hunt following his brother's death. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bridges expresses maternal anxiety through a prophetic dream, highlighting the tension within the family. The introduction of Grace Bridges and Gwen Williams adds complexity to the narrative, intertwining familial and romantic relationships. Overall, the character analysis reveals deep emotional undercurrents and the existential threats that challenge their lives on the ranch.
The Track of the Cat: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Walter Van Tilburg Clark
First published: 1949
Genre: Novel
Locale: The Sierra Nevadas
Plot: Symbolism
Time: Early twentieth century
Mr. Bridges, the owner of a ranch in Nevada. He is a drunkard who leaves the management of the ranch to his sons.
Arthur Bridges, a dreamer. He sympathizes with the pagan animistic religion of Joe Sam, the Indian hired man. He is killed by a huge cat while he sits whittling, waiting for his brother Curt to join him in hunting for the mountain lion.
Joe Sam, the Bridges' Indian hired man. He believes in “medicine” as the only way to avoid trouble from the cat who is the symbol of evil. When worried, he goes into a trancelike state, as he does when the cat appears on the scene. He recovers enough to help Harold Bridges hunt down and kill the cat.
Curt Bridges, the oldest of the Bridges' sons and the natural leader among the brothers. He always wants to do things his way. He apparently dies of fright, having left his campfire when frightened by the cat. He falls over a cliff to his death.
Harold Bridges, the youngest of the Bridges' sons. At first, he stays at the ranch house because his sweetheart is visiting. Later, he goes out with Joe Sam to hunt and kill the mountain lion that has killed his brother Arthur.
Mrs. Bridges, the boys' mother. She fears, because of a dream she has, that her family is in danger.
Grace Bridges, the sister of Arthur, Curt, and Harold Bridges.
Gwen Williams, Harold Bridges' sweetheart, an overnight visitor at the ranch.