That Ll Be The Day Character Analysis
“That’ll Be the Day” The millions who have seen the western classic, The Searchers, probably ended up searching for John Ford and some answers themselves. Many viewers have questioned the motivation behind John Wayne’s crude, but wonderfully played character. Would he really have shot his own niece? What was Ethan really thinking? To find the answer it is actually best to analyze the character of Martin, who according to author Brian Henderson stands for everything that Ethan does not. Henderson’s thesis starts off vaguely by pointing out musical scores at each end of the film which show that Ethan Edwards does not have a “peace of mind”. What we do know about Wayne’s character from the beginning is that he despises Native Americans
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One may jump to conclusions and proclaim that Martin was the only selfless one in the movie, but that can be argued. Throughout the movie audiences can feel that Martin is determined to finally be accepted by his culture and family. After his all his family is murdered and Debbie is no longer around, Ethan is the family member from who he tries to earn acceptance. A question can be asked: Is Martin only trying to save Debbie because he wants to consider her his sister, or is it all for him to feel accepted by Ethan’s twisted morals/values and totally disown part of his heritage? Ethan was constantly reminding Martin of the “injun in him”, forcing him to ultimately choose a race. Most would probably consider this forced actions and feelings by Ethan, but what about the relationship with Laurie? Was it true love or only to live a white life? I feel that this situation proves Henderson’s thesis correct. If we consider this example into the American society during the 1950’s we can realize its relevance. What does it take for a minority or ethnically diverse person in our country to be accepted into our white culture? Is it until they totally strip themselves of all traces of Asian, Mexican, or African culture before the stereotypes and racism ceases? In the words of Ethan Edwards “That’ll be the
One may jump to conclusions and proclaim that Martin was the only selfless one in the movie, but that can be argued. Throughout the movie audiences can feel that Martin is determined to finally be accepted by his culture and family. After his all his family is murdered and Debbie is no longer around, Ethan is the family member from who he tries to earn acceptance. A question can be asked: Is Martin only trying to save Debbie because he wants to consider her his sister, or is it all for him to feel accepted by Ethan’s twisted morals/values and totally disown part of his heritage? Ethan was constantly reminding Martin of the “injun in him”, forcing him to ultimately choose a race. Most would probably consider this forced actions and feelings by Ethan, but what about the relationship with Laurie? Was it true love or only to live a white life? I feel that this situation proves Henderson’s thesis correct. If we consider this example into the American society during the 1950’s we can realize its relevance. What does it take for a minority or ethnically diverse person in our country to be accepted into our white culture? Is it until they totally strip themselves of all traces of Asian, Mexican, or African culture before the stereotypes and racism ceases? In the words of Ethan Edwards “That’ll be the