A Tale of a Horse"? Identify and explain one of the author's central themes.

Background on the Story

When you were young, did you ever want to leave your frustrations and set off on an adventure? You might have ended up finding more than you bargained for.

The 1992 novel, All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, is a tale of love, loss, and friendship in 1949. The story begins in West Texas, with John Grady Cole and his best friend Lacey Rawlins setting off toward Mexico and the adventure of their young lives.

As the boys struggle through trials far beyond what they expected, the novel explores the themes of loss of innocence, violence, and loyalty. We also see how horses symbolize their manhood and becomes all that they have left from the experience.

Loss of Innocence

Loss of innocence is a recurring theme in All the Pretty Horses. It is evident at the beginning when John Grady is furious that his mother has no intention of allowing him to take over the ranch, but instead intends to sell.

At first John Grady manages to hold on to his belief that people are good. When Rawlins warns that Blevins will be trouble, John instists that everything will be okay.

We see John Grady's further loss of innocence in his relationship with Alejandra. He is unprepared for what is to follow as a result of his love for her. Rawlins, the more grounded of the two, is convinced that this will cause John Grady difficulties, but John Grady is too in love to listen.

John Grady and Rawlins face quite the shock when the boys are arrested and accused of stealing by men who saw them take back Blevins' horse, when they see Blevins shot, and when both spend a violent time in prison.