All The Pretty Horses Character Analysis
Throughout the novel, All the Pretty Horses, there is a constant theme of an awakening to reality. Both characters, John Grady and Alejandra have dreams they desire to achieve but cannot in the end once they realize their expectations are not accurate and they must face real life.
John Grady, the protagonist of the novel, has always dreamt about the cowboy life. Throughout his journey, he faces trials that chip away at that dream and reveal the truth behind the Old West. One event that began this realization was when John Grady was taken away from the ranch and away from his new found love, Alejandra. He had finally arrived at a destination where he could live out his cowboy dream, but it was all very short lived because of his actions that
simply could not work in the reality of Mexico. Part of the classic romanticization of the cowboy life includes the aspect of undying love. However, in John Grady’s situation it was forbidden love, and it eventually led to his brutal awakening to the truth. He was stripped of everything he had gained thus far and thrown into a Mexican prison. It was there that he witnessed the torture and even death of those around him. During those moments of destruction and heartbreak, the reality pierced John Grady that the life he always imagined was unachievable as it was only a glamorized version of the truth. John Grady faced multiple challenges during his journey from America to Mexico that could have forced him to give up his determination to find a place where he belongs. Due to his strong character, these trials were a rather harsh awakening but not something that stopped him all together. By the end of the novel, John Grady not only matured but his mindset evolved. He grasped the concept that the Old West was not the same romanticized idea he had stuck in his head throughout his childhood yet continued to chase after something in search of belonging.
Alejandra encounters a similar awakening to reality that is vital to the plot of All the Pretty Horses. When John Grady arrives at her father’s ranch, they begin to fall in love despite both her father and great aunt’s disapproval. Her great aunt, Alfonsa, has a large impact on her life through a subconscious control over Alejandra’s thoughts and actions. Because of this, John Grady and Alejandra are ultimately ripped apart and forbidden to be together. Alfonsa is a well put together and very old fashioned lady who holds the Mexican culture closely. Since she wishes the same for Alejandra, she keeps the two apart and warns John Grady not to pursue her because it would ruin Alejandra’s reputation. She manipulates Alejandra into believing that if she were to disobey, her father who was already losing his trust in her, would also lose his love for her. This scares Alejandra and opens her eyes but only in the way Alfonsa wanted her to see. While Alejandra is still young and under the guidance of Don Hector and Alfonsa, she is easily controlled by the two. Alfonsa may feel as if she has Alejandra’s best interest in mind but she is vastly steering her great niece's life without her even knowing. Overall, while this may be a very manipulative situation, it is still a realization for Alejandra. It is realized that she cannot leave her family or her culture even if it is for something as great as love.
Altogether, All the Pretty Horses has a constant theme of an awakening to reality that the characters must undergo. Their fantasies are broken down in an abrupt manner but this is done purposely by McCarthy because it conveys real life. Both John Grady and Alejandra are prime examples of this theme and the effect it has on the characters and plot development.
John Grady, the protagonist of the novel, has always dreamt about the cowboy life. Throughout his journey, he faces trials that chip away at that dream and reveal the truth behind the Old West. One event that began this realization was when John Grady was taken away from the ranch and away from his new found love, Alejandra. He had finally arrived at a destination where he could live out his cowboy dream, but it was all very short lived because of his actions that
simply could not work in the reality of Mexico. Part of the classic romanticization of the cowboy life includes the aspect of undying love. However, in John Grady’s situation it was forbidden love, and it eventually led to his brutal awakening to the truth. He was stripped of everything he had gained thus far and thrown into a Mexican prison. It was there that he witnessed the torture and even death of those around him. During those moments of destruction and heartbreak, the reality pierced John Grady that the life he always imagined was unachievable as it was only a glamorized version of the truth. John Grady faced multiple challenges during his journey from America to Mexico that could have forced him to give up his determination to find a place where he belongs. Due to his strong character, these trials were a rather harsh awakening but not something that stopped him all together. By the end of the novel, John Grady not only matured but his mindset evolved. He grasped the concept that the Old West was not the same romanticized idea he had stuck in his head throughout his childhood yet continued to chase after something in search of belonging.
Alejandra encounters a similar awakening to reality that is vital to the plot of All the Pretty Horses. When John Grady arrives at her father’s ranch, they begin to fall in love despite both her father and great aunt’s disapproval. Her great aunt, Alfonsa, has a large impact on her life through a subconscious control over Alejandra’s thoughts and actions. Because of this, John Grady and Alejandra are ultimately ripped apart and forbidden to be together. Alfonsa is a well put together and very old fashioned lady who holds the Mexican culture closely. Since she wishes the same for Alejandra, she keeps the two apart and warns John Grady not to pursue her because it would ruin Alejandra’s reputation. She manipulates Alejandra into believing that if she were to disobey, her father who was already losing his trust in her, would also lose his love for her. This scares Alejandra and opens her eyes but only in the way Alfonsa wanted her to see. While Alejandra is still young and under the guidance of Don Hector and Alfonsa, she is easily controlled by the two. Alfonsa may feel as if she has Alejandra’s best interest in mind but she is vastly steering her great niece's life without her even knowing. Overall, while this may be a very manipulative situation, it is still a realization for Alejandra. It is realized that she cannot leave her family or her culture even if it is for something as great as love.
Altogether, All the Pretty Horses has a constant theme of an awakening to reality that the characters must undergo. Their fantasies are broken down in an abrupt manner but this is done purposely by McCarthy because it conveys real life. Both John Grady and Alejandra are prime examples of this theme and the effect it has on the characters and plot development.