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  • Essay / Shane: The Fair Shooter

    Looking back on Shane, life in the West was quite isolated compared to the way we live today, when many people pass our homes throughout the day. in the late 1800s, many people moved west, but there were no highly populated areas like those in the East. This isolation felt in the West plays a role in the Starretts' acceptance of a solitary stranger into their home. The fact that there is not much traffic in their home is why the Starretts were welcoming to this man who could have been dangerous. However, they soon learned that he was a respectable man who posed no danger to them. Shane impressed each of the Starretts with his talent and charm that made him someone not to be afraid of, but someone to learn from. One of Shane's most respectable qualities with the Starretts was his loyalty in helping them in times of need. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Loyalty is one of the overarching topics that stood out to me while reading Shane as it played a role in his interactions with the Starretts. At the very beginning of the book, after Shane's arrival, Joe Starrett tells Bob and Marian, "He's dangerous, all right." ...But not for us, my dear... In fact, I don't think you've ever had a safer man in your house. . "(Shaefer 10). This comment from Joe shows that he recognizes that Shane is a respectable man who, although he could kill, would not harm those who were kind to him. Joe and Shane quickly become good friends when they see the man they want to mirror in each other, together they are able to accomplish the difficult task of digging up the stump and confronting Fletcher who has become a menace in the city then. that he is trying to buy out all the farmers. Their loyalty to each other is why they are able to stand up to Fletcher. In addition to Joe's loyalty to Shane, Marian is faced with a challenging dilemma. questions her loyalty to Joe as she develops feelings for Shane When these feelings become evident in Chapter 10 as Marian cries after dressing Shane's wounds, Joe does not become angry with her as many expect. would wait instead, he said, “Don’t worry, Marian. I am man enough to know better when his trail meets mine. Whatever happens, everything will be fine. (Schaefer 102). It's interesting that he reacts this way since many stories dramatize any infidelity by having a character become jealous, hurt, or angry when another person is introduced. Joe's reaction is peaceful and accepting of the situation because he too has recognized Shane's respectable qualities which attract Marian. Marian's tears are caused by her feelings towards Shane conflicting with being a devoted wife to Joe. Ultimately, the Starrett family's loyalty to Shane's memory is important to recognize. After Shane leaves, Joe decides they should leave as well. Marian is against this because she says "we have roots here now that we can never uproot." (Schaefer 149). The roots that the Starrett family was able to create are due to Shane's efforts to protect them from Fletcher. Marian recognizes that if they left after everything that happened, Shane's efforts would be in vain. In order to respect Shane's memory, they must stay on their ranch because the Starretts were the only ones in town who knew Shane's true story. The loyalty that each of these characters had,.