True Grit

Introduction:

“True Grit” is a Western novel by Charles Portis, published in 1968. The story is narrated by Mattie Ross, a 14-year-old girl from Arkansas, who hires US Marshal Rooster Cogburn to avenge her father’s murder by Tom Chaney. The book has been adapted into two successful films, one in 1969 starring John Wayne as Cogburn and another in 2010 with Jeff Bridges in the same role. Here is a review of the book “True Grit” by Charles Portis.

Characters:

The characters in “True Grit” are well developed and interesting. Mattie Ross, the protagonist, is a smart, tough, and determined young woman who is not afraid to stand up to anyone. She is the heart of the story and her perspective gives a unique view of the Old West. Rooster Cogburn is a grizzled US Marshal with a reputation for being tough and ruthless. He is a perfect match for Mattie’s strong personality, and their relationship is the driving force of the story. The other characters, including Tom Chaney and LaBoeuf, are also well drawn and add depth to the story.

Plot:

The plot of “True Grit” is a classic revenge tale. Mattie Ross hires Rooster Cogburn to track down and kill Tom Chaney, the man who murdered her father. Along the way, they are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who is also after Chaney for a different crime. The three of them face many challenges and dangers as they travel across the Old West in pursuit of Chaney. The plot is well-paced, with plenty of action and suspense, and the ending is satisfying.

Setting:

The setting of “True Grit” is the Old West, specifically Arkansas and Oklahoma in the late 1800s. Portis does an excellent job of creating a vivid and realistic world. The descriptions of the landscape, the towns, and the people are detailed and atmospheric. The book gives a sense of what life was like in this time and place, and the challenges that people faced.

Writing style:

The writing style of “True Grit” is simple and direct, with a touch of humor. Portis uses Mattie’s voice to tell the story, and her no-nonsense attitude is reflected in the writing. The dialogue is particularly well done, with each character having a distinctive voice. The book is a quick read, but it is also full of depth and nuance.

Themes:

The themes of “True Grit” include revenge, justice, and the power of determination. Mattie’s quest for revenge drives the story, but it also raises questions about the nature of justice and the morality of violence. The book also explores the power of determination, as Mattie refuses to give up on her goal, despite the many obstacles in her way.

Conclusion:

“True Grit” is an excellent Western novel that is well worth reading. The characters are memorable, the plot is engaging, and the writing style is both simple and profound. The book has been adapted into two successful films, but the original novel is still the best way to experience this classic story. If you enjoy Westerns or just good storytelling, then “True Grit” is definitely worth checking out.