Who has True Grit

The classic western novel narrated by Mattie Ross is truly a “Gritty” read. There is plenty of detailed content associated with the characters in the novel that describes the basis of the novels title. “True Girt”, by far is the best suited title for the novel. An in depth analysis of the novel takes a person to deep and dark places within the “Cowboys and Indians” times in the later 19th century. The setting and time in the text just goes to show that in that day and age “True Grit” was more less the way of life. As the characters Mattie Ross, Rooster Cogburn and Tom Chaney embark on their journey a clash of customs and personality traits define the term of “True Grit”.

Mattie Ross is a smart, competent and independent young lady. A person would think she's the average young lady from the western times that stays home to chores, but no not Mattie. Physically, Mattie is a clean cut, clothing neat and in order kinda girl. But when she is able to speak her mind there is no holding back what she thinks. Mattie is on a mission and explains to Stonehill, “I have hopes that the marshals will get him soon, His name is Tom Chaney. He worked for us. I am trying to get action. I aim to see him shot or hanged” (pg 33). She is somewhat of a strange and rare character, being all of 14 years of age yet with such head strong determination to have Chaney killed. Mattie sets off on a bone chilling journey of revenge and is faced with many obstacles that should send her home crying. Instead Mattie’s confidence and abilities to stand her own in such a hostile, male dominated land get her through the daily life-threatening occurrences. Mattie endured plenty of trials and tribulations, there was one point where Mattie recalls “I was so mad I must have cried a little but it was a cold night and by the time I reached the Monarch my anger had cooled to the point where I could think straight and lay plans (Portis).

One of the gritty lawmen is Rooster