AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of Requirements
For the Degree of
Sarjana Sastra
In English Letters
By
MEI RATRI SRI HANDAYANI
Student Number : 034214127ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
i
AN UNDERGRADUATE THESIS
Presented as Partial Fulfillment of Requirements
For the Degree of
Sarjana Sastra
In English Letters
By
MEI RATRI SRI HANDAYANI
Student Number : 034214127ENGLISH LETTERS STUDY PROGRAMME DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LETTERS
FACULTY OF LETTERS SANATA DHARMA UNIVERSITY
ii
RIDERS OF JUDGMENT
By
MEI RATRI SRI HANDAYANI Student Number: 034214127
Approved by
Dra. Theresia Enny Anggraini, M.A. August 15, 2009 Advisor
iii
RIDERS OF JUDGMENT
By
MEI RATRI SRI HANDAYANI Student Number: 034214127
Defended before the Board of Examiners on August 21, 2009
and Declared Acceptable
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
Name Signature
Chairman : Dr. Fr. B Alip, M. Pd., M.A. _________ Secretary : Drs. Hirmawan Wijanarka, M.Hum. _________ Member : Harris Hermansyah Setiajid, S.S., M.Hum _________ Member : Dra. Theresia Enny Anggraini, M.A. _________ Member : Maria Ananta Tri Suryandari, S.S., M.Ed. _________
Yogyakarta, August 31, 2009 Faculty of Letters Sanata Dharma University
Dean
iv
Nama : Mei Ratri Sri Handayani Nomor Mahasiswa : 034214127
Demi pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan Universitas Sanata Dharma karya ilmiah saya yang berjudul:
THE VALUE OF HEROISM AS REFLECTED THROUGH CAIN HAMMETT AS THE MAIN CHARACTER IN FREDERICK MANFRED’SRIDERS OF JUDGMENT
Beserta perangkat yang diperlukan (bila ada). Dengan demikian saya memberikan kepada Perpustakaan Universitas Sanata Dharma hak untuk menyimpan, mengalihkan dalam bentuk media lain, mengelolanya dalam bentuk pangkalan data, mendistribusikan secara terbatas, dan mempublikasikannya di internet atau media lain untuk kepentingan akademis tanpa perlu meminta ijin dari saya maupun memberikan royalti kepada saya selama tetap mencantumkan nama saya sebagai penulis.
Demikian pernyataan ini saya buat dengan sebenarnya. Dibuat di Yogyakarta
Pada tanggal: 28 Agustus 2009 Yang menyatakan
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And like a farmer you need discipline. A farmer farms soil, writers farm brain cells.
[Frederick Manfred]
Be careful for nothing; in everything by prayer and supplication With thanksgiving let your request be known unto God
[Philippians 4:6]
When there is a will there is a way
[Anonymous]
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perfect time and every wonderful answer to my prayers. His answer always comes instantly or sometimes He likes to take His time, but I believe there is always an answer. Thanks to His guidance and protection, I have found myself. I also thank Him because there is something magnificent about my life. He is the best.
I would also like to thank all the lecturers and staffs in English Letters Department of Sanata Dharma University for the education during the semesters. My biggest and special gratitude goes to Dra. Theresia Enny Anggraini, M.A for the patience and guidance for me to solve the difficulties in the process of writing this undergraduate thesis also to help me make it from nothing to something. I would also like to express my gratefulness to Maria Ananta Tri Suryandari, S.S., M.Ed as my co-advisor for the discussion, correction and suggestion to make this thesis better.
viii
Abit, Yusak, Mando, Demus, Dean, Daud, Al, Bigar, Oni and Glory, I wish I could spend more time with you all. For‘Paguyuban Rinonce’(Rina wengi Cedhak) Dik Ari, Ganes, Dion, Adi, Dedy, Ni Putu Oki, Hari, Didit, Klaten seems empty without you guys, viva friends forever! Thanks toMrs. Ni Luh Putuand‘Komunitas Tari Bali Sekar Jepun’for cheering my heart up. Thanks to all sisters of Ex Gatotkaca-1a boarding house for sharing our tears of happiness and even sadness during the years of miracles in Yogyakarta.
Many thanks toMbak Nina, Lina, Lolin, Meta, Mbak Ayu s.a.d, Amelia, Minu, Mas Wibisono, ‘Miss Tiara’, Mas Yele for many things we have shared. Hope the fortune will always be forever yours. Special thanks for the supports and prayers from everyone, friends and acquaintances who have completed my life but I cannot mention one by one. Salute for everyone who has passed this phase of study. For those who are starting to struggle, who are still struggling, and who quit struggling. Keep spirit!!! You are the hero of yourself. Last but not least, thank you for everyone who wants to read this study. God be with you.
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A. Background of the Study……… 1
B. Problem Formulation……….. 6
C. Objectives of the Study………... 6
D. Definition of Terms..……… 7
CHAPTER II: THEORETICAL REVIEW... 8
A. Review of Related Studies………... 8
B. Review of Related Theories……… 11
1. Theories of Character and Characterization……….. 11
2. Theories of Action………. 14
3. Theories of Heroism……….. 17
C. Theoretical Framework………... 19
CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY……….. 21
A. Object of the Study……….. 21
B. Approach of the Study………. 22
C. Method of the Study………. 24
CHAPTER IV: ANALYSIS……… 26
A. The Characterization of the Main Character……… 26
B. The Heroic Actions of Cain Hammett………. 41
C. The Value of Heroism……….. 49
CHAPTER V: CONCLUSION………. 57
BIBLIOGRAPHY……… 60
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Yogyakarta: Department of English Letters, Faculty of Letters, Sanata Dharma University.
Riders of Judgmentis one of Frederick Manfred’s novels. The novel tells us about a struggle life of the main character. Cain Hammett as the main character in the story is described as a tough man who struggles to defeat his land and the people. He has his own purpose and value to gain. Through his attitudes, speeches and other’s point of view about him, it is obvious that Cain characteristics confirm some qualities of heroism. In this sense, the story delivers values of heroism through the main character.
There are three problem formulations formulated in this study; (1) How the main character, Cain Hammett, is characterized in Riders of Judgment (2) How heroic actions of the main character are portrayed in the story (3) What values of heroism are reflected through Cain Hammett’s characteristics and heroic actions as the main character in this novel. The objectives of this undergraduate thesis are; first is to find out how characteristics of the main character are characterized in this novel. Second is to figure out how heroic actions of the main character are portrayed and third is to find out what values of heroism are reflected through the main character characteristics and heroic actions in this novel.
This study is focused on literary work and the writer used literary and Internet research. The writer took all references from the library and Internet to support the analysis. To strengthen the analysis a moral- philosophical approach is employed.
Through the analysis, it is found that the main character’s characteristics and heroic actions have a significant role in revealing the value of heroism. The way the main character, Cain Hammett, assist other people, confront difficulties and dangers, and struggle to gain his purpose becomes the evidences that the story of the novel reflects value of heroism through the main character.
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Riders of Judgment adalah salah satu novel karangan Frederick Manfred. Novel ini bercerita tentang perjuangan hidup tokoh utamanya. Cain Hammett sebagai tokoh utama di dalam cerita ini digambarkan sebagai seseorang laki-laki gigih yang berjuang untuk membela tanah dan penduduknya. Dia mempunyai tujuan dan nilai untuk didapat. Melalui tingkah laku, perkataan, dan penilaian tokoh lain terhadapnya, jelas terlihat bahwa penokohan Cain mengusung beberapa sifat heroisme. Dalam hal ini, cerita dalam novel ini menyampaikan nilai-nilai heroisme melalui tokoh utamanya.
Ada tiga pokok permasalahan yang dirumuskan dalam study ini: (1) Bagaimana tokoh utama, Cain Hammett, digambarkan dalam Riders of Judgment (2) Bagaimana aksi-aksi kepahlawanan dari tokoh utama digambarkan dalam cerita ini (3) Nilai-nilai heroisme apa saja yang terefleksikan melalui sifat-sifat dan aksi kepahlawanan Cain Hammett sebagai tokoh utama dalam novel ini. Tujuan dari studi ini adalah; pertama, untuk menemukan bagaimana tokoh utama digambarkan. Kedua, untuk menemukan bagaimana aksi-aksi kepahlawanan tokoh utama digambarkan dan ketiga, menemukan nilai-nilai heroisme yang direfleksikan melalui sifat-sifat dan aksi-aksi kepahlawanan tokoh utama dalam novel ini.
Karena studi ini menitikberatkan pada karya sastra, penulis menggunakan studi pustaka and internet. Penulis menggunakan sumber pustaka dan Internet untuk analisis. Untuk memperkuat analisis, pendekatan filsafat moral digunakan.
Melalui bagian analisis, ditemukan bahwa penokohan dan aksi kepahlawanan dari tokoh utama mempunyai peran penting dalam mengungkapkan nilai-nilai heroisme. Melalui cara tokoh utama, Cain Hammett, dalam menolong orang lain, menghadapi kesulitan dan bahaya dan berjuang untuk memperoleh tujuannya menjadi bukti bahwa cerita dalam novel ini merefleksikan nilai-nilai heroisme melalui tokoh utamanya.
1
A. Background of The Study
Literature is one of the great creative and extensive ways of
communicating the emotional, spiritual or intellectual anxiety of humankind.
Literature able to help readers to grow their personalities and intellectualities.
Literature also provides an object base for the reader’s knowledge
and understanding. It helps to connect their reader to the cultural context and
helps to recognize and learn about human dreams and struggle in different
societies and condition. By studying literature, reader can see worthiness in the
aim of all people, and it therefore exercises our emotions through the arousal of
interest, concern, tension, excitement, hope, fear, regret, laughter and sympathy
(Encyclopedia Americana, 1974:559)
Frederick Manfred is a well-known writer from Minnesota, he has written
18 novels. One of his works is Riders of Judgment.Riders of Judgmentis a novel
which is analyzed in this study. In this novel, the author’s ideas and thoughts are
expressed in the way he writes the story. In this undergraduate thesis, the writer
will focus on the value of heroism proposed in the story. Based on an online
source entitled Frederick Manfred, it is stated that Manfred’s works are mostly
associated with the hardship way of life of that time. He is not writing about
political novels, but he often presents a human manuscript. It can be seen from
analysis of rebellion and freedom toward family and society. There is no apparent
division between good and bad on his vision of humanity. The clearest values that
can be seen are tolerance, compassion, and other values that can be found in all
aspects of life.
The novel Riders of Judgment was written in interesting ways,
here Manfred presents the main character, Cain Hammett as a character which has
a big effect on the story. The character mainly engages the writer’s interest
because he is described to have some good characteristics of a person who may
bring some positive values. It is primary through the main character in this novel
that the writer will draw the topic.
In Riders of Judgment, Frederick Manfred tells about Cain Hammett
as the main character who is an independent Wyoming cattleman. He has two
brothers, Harry Hammett and Dale Hammett. They are little stockmen who have
ever worked for Jesse Jacklin in Peter Caudle’s Cattle Empire, but after he knows
that Jesse cheats Lord Peter (the owner of Peter Caudle’s Cattle Empire)
Cain and his brothers decide to quit. Cain is described as a lonesome cowboy who
only has a horse named Lonesome and a mule named Animal as his companions
to ride. He is a bachelor who faithfully keeps his love only for his cousin
Rosemary (Rory) though she marries Dale Hammett, his youngest brother. Cain
tries to keep his allegiance with his Grand father, Gramp Hammett who is very
much against next of family mating, whether for human or even animal. In spite
This story also tells about how Cain struggles to revenge his
Grand father, his father, his uncle, Dale and two other little stockmen’s murderer.
It is also about his devotion to defend his land from the attack of cruel cattle
barons. He is a man in the county who has willingness to devote times of efforts
and to risk his life. In the end of the story, he courageously and forcefully has to
stand struggling alone against a number of armed-men to fight.
As stated above Riders of Judgment is a story about man who lives as a
little stockman whose land is being invaded by the dominant stockmen in the
country. He has to fight for his right and for the people on the county. In the
novel, Manfred brought heroism as the main atmosphere that can be felt through
the main character that is heroic.
This novel carries different view on the way people of life.
The different way is seen in the main character’s way of struggle to achieve
certain aims. His struggle creates some heroic acts on how he faces every obstacle
in his life. His action towards every difficulties and risky things that happen in his
life is different from other people. His indifference is the result of the value he
brings into his life. Since the struggle of Cain Hammett is dedicated for all, not
only for himself, but for others as well, for family and also for his county,
his characteristics and heroic actions will be used to reveal the values of heroism
in this story.
Cain Hammett’s characteristics and heroic actions reflect his bravery
and courage. Courage, according to Roth (1995:375) is actually an essential part
the general welfare has the same meaning as heroism. He mentions courage
as a morality of ‘self-regarding’ because the main purpose to be served
is the courageous of an individual. However, heroism also represents
an ‘other-regarding’ morality because the central regard is the wellbeing and
the common good of others.
InWebster New Twentieth Century Dictionaryheroism means the qualities
and actions of a hero. Heroism means courageous an fearless action, which
indicates the characteristics of a hero, not only to face physical battle/fight, but
also to take responsibilities and solve difficulties for the sake of the welfare of
others (1983:853). It can be said that a person with certain characteristics and
actions of bravery to do something worthy for other people and strongly
motivated to help others, is a hero. A hero is often represented of an actual person
who is a good person; a brave person; a self-sacrificing person. A person who has
an eagerness and bravery to face any circumstances, not only to fight but also to
face any responsibilities and difficulties.
As we usually know, the hero may exhibit characteristics such as
superhuman strength and endurance that sometimes makes him nearly invincible.
Cain, the main character is fictitious but he symbolizes a real person without any
great strength or super power ability. It means that he is not a man who has a
supernatural power like Spiderman, he can not fly like Superman, he is not
immortal like Highlander, also not a man who is invisible like The Invisible Man,
or even having Godlike strength like Hercules, but here Hammett is described as a
ordinary person who thinks and acts with his willingness to get into trouble to
actualize his natural ability. He has an ordinary thought and ability to do action
with bravery and good intention to help other people. The writer will figure out
Cain Hammett’s characteristics and heroic actions whether they can reflect values
of heroism.
Hero’s struggle usually requires achievement of some values, for example
to leave behind her/his self-importance to help others is something valuable.
Through the main character’s characteristics and actions, the value of heroism can
be achieved. The writer will pay a big attention on the main character, Cain
Hammett, because he might be the character who has a significant role as a hero
in the story. Since this novel is one of literary work which points out about
heroism, the writer is also interested in digging and finding out the value of
heroism reflected through the main character.
According to Bernstein, to achieve heroism a man has to reach the top of
human morality about the enduring commitment to rational values, in action,
in facing the opposition that may depress a man’s wellbeing for other’s well being
(http://www.mikementzer.com/heroism.html)
It is obvious that heroism focuses on human beings. As human beings
we have the ability and sensibility to manage ourselves, to do what we want to do.
It is related to the moral concept of human, whether to have a good morality or
not. It is also a choice for us as human beings to create good or bad values in the
The discussion of revealing heroism of Frederick Manfred’s
Riders of Judgment through the characteristics and heroic actions of Cain
Hammett as the main character, directs the writer to draw a topic: The Value of
Heroism as Reflected Through Cain Hammett as the Main Character in Frederick
Manfred’s Riders of Judgment. Hopefully, this study can help us to give
something worthwhile rather than only to understand the story.
B. Problems Formulation
In order to get deeper understanding about the topic of the study,
these three questions have been formulated as the problems in the analysis:
1. How is the main character, Cain Hammett, characterized in the novel?
2. How are heroic actions of the main character portrayed in the story?
3. What are values of heroism reflected through Cain Hammett’s
characteristics and heroic actions?
C. Objectives of the Study
This study analyzes Frederick Manfred’s novel entitled
Riders of Judgment. The writer formulates the question into three parts.
Firstly, the writer has the aim to find out how the character Cain Hammett
as the main character is characterized. Secondly is to find out how the heroic
actions of the main character portrayed in this novel. Thirdly, to find out what
values of heroism reflected through the main character. In brief, this study is to
character in the novelRiders of Judgment.
D. Definition of Terms
1. Value
International Encyclopedia of Ethics defines value is what makes
actions, characters traits and objects to be considered as something good or bad.
(1995: 897)
2. Heroism
The complete definition taken from Encyclopedia of Ethics, thus heroism
is defined as the human virtue that make able one to face fear evoking danger or
CHAPTER II
THEORETICAL REVIEW
A. Review of Related Studies
The author of the work which is being analyzed by the writer is
Frederick Manfred. Manfred is the Iowa-born author of 18 novels including the
two volumes of short stories and one book of poem. Some of his works of fiction
are:The Golden Bowl,his first novel which was published in 1944,Boy Almighty
(1945), This is the Year (1947), The Chokecherry (1948), The Primitive (1949),
The Brother (1950), The Giant (1951), Lord Grizzly (1954), Morning Red
(1956)and Riders of Judgment is his 10th work which is published in 1957,
and many.
In 1944 and in 1945 he was awarded by The American Academy of Art
and Letters. It can be seen above that almost in every years of his time of writing
he consistently published at least one work and also took a good part in American
literature. Manfred was born on January 6, 1912 then he decided to start writing
in the year of 1943 and he died in 1994.
Manfred is known as a writer, a man who made his living with his pen.
Writing is his life and his career is stated by Wylder that: “Writing has been his
life and his livelihood and his tending to write from his native area, Siouxland.
He has devoted his life to writing and he has made such outstanding contribution
Manfred creates realistic or imperfect character which is real and
believable. Milton said:
Approaching a Manfred novel, the reader should first note that here is a distinct sensitivity at work. First, Manfred is unashamedly male, and he sees the male principle as the major creative force. He does not espouse the macho image for its own sake, however. Like the American Indian, or the American farmer, or like any people oriented to basics, he sees the regenerative force as both a blessing and a threat. (Milton, 1957)
There is different understanding about Manfred‘s work that has to be
considered by the reader. Manfred reflects on the conversion power of good thing
and risky thing. Manfred judges men fundamental truth as the most important
resourceful power. It is by creating the characters which are not symbolized
figures of masculinity, but just describing them as the common American Indian,
American farmer or people determined to basics.
Cain is described as a good man who let himself to be a bachelor at his 30
age, just to keep his faithfulness for the woman he really loves. As it is quoted
that Cain is the only character in the whole story who might be called a hero. He
draws near the ideal, a man of reason and good will but expresses over desire to
love someone who in fact marries his brother, Dale Hammett. Significantly, he
has named his horse Lonesome and his mule Animal. Lonesome represents his
loneliness and Animal is a sterile mule. Cain is the only brother of the three who
really respects his grand father’s forbidden rule of marrying cousin. Dale
Hammett is the husband of Rory Hammett, his own cousin. Harry Hammett is the
because she wants the baby grows like a man he actually really loves.
(http://www.dancingbadger.com/sonjacobx.htm#n12).
In a 1957 review of the novel ofRiders of Judgment, the correspondent for
the New York Times, Steward, considers the setting in the novel has horrible
and grisly setting of places but consist the message of trustworthiness
and pleasure things. Cain rides his horse from down to the timberline in the
Big Stonies then far down the east wide throws of endless rock away, Cain deals
with the enormous curving valley of the great Crimson Wall. Beyond Crimson
Wall the further valley stretches out before him like a giant relief map.
He also rides through the Bitterness River, then down to the land where Red fork
Canyon runs south. The country is open and big enough for Cain to reach the deep
green hills of Shaken Grass, in the Bighorn County where he has his own cattle.
Steward wrote:
The story in the novel as a striking addition to the topflight fiction where in places the story is brutal, even gruesome, but it has the ring of fidelity to act and is a thriller all the way. Cain Hammett riding his black horse, Lonesome, is one of the most characters to hit the wide prairies of print in many of day. (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html)
By seeing those related studies aboutRiders of Judgment, the writer finds
that some of exciting comments seem to discuss the contribution of the author
toward his work: how some elements in Manfred’s life occur in the novel
and focus more on the setting and the characters in general. In this thesis,
the writer tries to give more specific study on heroism and focus on the main
to reveal the value of heroism in the novel also through the heroic action done by
the main character.
B. Review of Related Theories
To support this study, that would deal with the topic of The Value of
Heroism as Reflected Through Cain Hammett as The Main Character in
Frederick Manfred’s Rider of Judgment. The writer uses some theories to be the
basic guidance in answering the question as clearly as possible.
1. Theory of Character and characterization
In understanding the characters, Perrine mentions that character in a story
can be presented through direct presentation and indirect presentation
(1974: 68-69). In direct presentation, the author simply tells the reader about the
characters of the story. He tells the qualities of the characters in exposition
and analysis, or he has someone else in the story who tells us what they like are.
In indirect presentation, the personality of the character can be convincing,
as it is shown by speaking and action he or she teaches.
Discussing more about character is as important as discussing
the characterization. Holman and Harmon inA Handbook to Literaturestated that
characterization is the creation of playwright’s imagination about character as real
human being, so they exist for the audience or reader as lifelike (1986:81).
The reader often imagine the character as well as they think about the real human,
so in creating a character, the author usually uses real human, completed with his
M.J. Murphy inUnderstanding Unseen: An Introduction to English Poetry
and the English Novel for Overseas Students (1972:161-173) explains nine ways
that an author can apply to present the characterization of characters in a literary
work:
a. Personal description
The author describes from the details of physical appearance and outfit of
the character, like strong or weak, fat or thin, beautiful or bad, tall or short, big
or small, with curly hair or blonde, white or black skin, etc.
b. Character as seen by another
An author describes the character through another’s point of view.
The other characters in the story give her or his opinions, by giving explanation
a character is like. In these details, the readers also can use their own point
of view to analyze a certain character.
c. Speech
The author gives the readers an insight into the character in the work
through what a person says. It can be seen whenever a person speaks
in conversation with other character. We also can see his character from
his opinion that he gives.
d. Past life
The author can provide a clue to events that help to shape a person’s
characteristics by giving the character’s past life. This is quite helpful to analyze
e. Conversation of others
The readers have to pay attention through the conversation of other people
and the things they say about the character, because an author sometimes gives
a clue to understand the character’s personality from other’s conversation
and their opinion about him. By searching it, it will help the readers to get more
information about the characteristic of the character
f. Reaction
The author gives the readers a clue to what characteristics a character has,
by describing how the person reacts and responds to various situation or event.
g. Direct comment
The author gives the reader direct comment and description on the
character. In this way there is a medium for the author to use to characterize the
character.
h. Thoughts
The author gives us direct knowledge of what a person is thinking about.
Whenever the author gives a direct description of the character’s mind, what he is
thinking about, we are led to a deep analysis through the thought inside the
character’s mind.
i. Mannerism
A person’s character can be described through his habit and mannerism.
It can tell us something more about the character. Furthermore, the meaning of
characterization in the literary work as an individual is the process of presenting
Another theory of characterization is depicted by Barnet and Berman
(1988: 71-72) in their Literature for Composition. They stated that in writing
about character we have to focus on personality, traits, and characters.
After reading a story, we may briefly summarize the author’s description of the
character’s physical appearance and clothing, and then try to get the personality.
Some points to be considered for determining the analysis of a character are;
the words that the character expresses through dialogue or speech; the actions
done by the character; the comments and opinions of other character about the
character analyzed; the actions or reaction of other characters toward the
character.
2. Theories of Action
Action according to Hornby A.S is a process of doing things; show body
movement. (1987:9). In this thesis, the writer tries to analyze what the main
character will do through his bravery and persistency to dedicate himself for his
land and other people.
According to Alvin I Goldman in his book A Theory of Human Action
(1970: 71-80) action is a central feature of human nature in which that people do
things intentionally or on purpose.
He mentions some notions of intentional action:
a. Wants:
The most important notions of intentional action is wanting,
accompanied by emotional strain or other body tones. It is different with other
attitude terms such as ‘favor’, ‘like’, ‘be attracted by’. All action-wants or want to
do certain acts have various strengths or intensities.
b. A necessary condition of intentional action:
Intentional action acts are often acts that a person wanted to do, indeed
wantedto do for his/her own sake. An act is often done intentionally even though
the person did not thin the prospect of performing that act attractive. The person
may averse to it, at least considered for its own sake. When an intentional act of
something is not itself desired, there must be some other related act that a person
wants to do.
c. The pattern of intentional action:
Intentional act is often an action that a person wanted to do. If a person
wants to perform an act, he/she must perform at least one basic act that will
generate the act. In the other words, the pattern consist of adesire to do some act
and a set of beliefs to the effect that, if he/she is to perform basic act this would
generate various other acts.
d. Basic act:
The ability to perform basic act-type at will does not depend on any causes
and effect knowledge. A person may be able to do action at will although he/she
has no idea about what causes the action he/she does.
e. Wants and beliefs act as causes of act:
A person can often be sure that a certain very strong desire and strong
f. Reason and causes:
Purposive behavior is closely connected with the concept of reasons.
A person might indeed define an intentional act as one does something for
a reason. Intentional action is connected to the concept of reason. The
performance of certain act implies that a person is acting out of specific desire or
purpose.
Georg Henrik in his Explanation of the Human Action stated to explain
of human action is to understand the motives on which it is purposed.
Included in the motives, and in addition to the motivating intention or the aim
of the action, is also a logical factor that the judgment of the situation
and the thought of how to achieve the preferred result. The identification
of the motives is not possible without referring to the necessary action.
The character does the actions intentionally and purposeful. This means that the
action done by the character to be explained, and the motives that are meant
to explain the action (1969:16).
Donald Davidson stated that an action is the performance of the causal
way that begins with trying to move and come to a movement of the preferred
form. There is a total causal progression of actions that is concerned in the
performance of even the simplest physical act of moving a part of the character's
body. A person is completely rational, in his actions and attitudes, as he
3. Theory of Heroism
According to the topic proposed, this study obtains theory of heroism.
The analysis on Cain Hammett heroism will go on and take the theory as its
ground. John K. Roth in the Encyclopedia of Ethic explains that heroism is the
human virtue that makes one able to face danger. The action may endanger him.
However, he does the risky thing to save others and the common good is the main
purpose. Heroic are something righteous and honorable (1995:375).
He also gives further explanation by including the statement of several
conditions necessary for act to be considered heroic.
a. Effort of doing something or taking action is done rather than another.
b. It is obviously as risky or dangerous act. The act is heroic when one feels the
danger or experiences to harm. The danger often involves injury, suffering or even
death, economic and reputation loss.
c. One absolutely understands that the act is extremely a risky thing.
d. The decision to perform act has been thought with awareness and based on
many reasons as the consideration. The act is not foolish or silly.
e. The act is not done because there is any threat to accomplish any consequences
or punishments that is more threatening than to do the act itself.
f. The purpose of the act is regarded as the valuable and worthy thing to be
achieved.
Roth added that heroism is the human good value that makes able a person
to face fear evoking danger and difficulty with reason and decision and act in a
He also stated an act is considered heroic whenever it satisfies all of or one of the
conditions. Someone can pursue a value of heroism by doing something that is
in line with living heroically, a man who scarifies his personal interest
and do something for the good of the society or others can be one of the example.
(Roth, 1995:375-376)
The description of heroism according to Andrew Bernstein in his online
article known as The Philosophical Foundation of Heroism is defined as a moral
character, which is combined into one whole on its expression in action.
A theoretically good character, which is not expressed in action, would not be
considered heroic. That’s why every action that character does is important to be
understood by the readers. It means that a hero is someone who has done
something heroic, and ‘has done’ means that there was something related to
action. A hero can be defined by his action not only by his idea or thought.
Bernstein also stated a hero as an individual of good moral figure and greater
ability who pursues his goals persistently to face powerful opponent, enemy or
antagonist.
Bernstein attempts to distinguish between two heroes, the ‘Everyday hero’
and the ‘Epic hero’. The Everyday hero or Classic hero is more or less an ordinary
person or a common person who gets into such difficult circumstances. He or she
is assumed to be real in his or her existence and also familiar to us.
The difficulties are perhaps not her/his own willing but he/she decides to do
Bernstein says that the everyday hero is the role model. The everyday hero
is positive and inspiring through his familiarity and the description of a continuing
personal development that may provide one with clear ideas about steps to take in
order to become heroic.
The epic hero is a hero who is out of this world, larger than life. Obviously
there would not be any dangerous problems because he/she is an extraordinary
person in extra ordinary situations and troubles. Epic hero is usually an important
figure from a history or the legend of the country. He/she has no superpower but
he/she has a great ability to think and overcome fear to protect other. Epic hero is
a smart warrior who also finds difficulties. The epic hero represents images and
emotions that are being evoked the desire for heroic being, he/she represents an
exaggeration of the every day hero. (http://www.mikementzer.com/heroism.html)
C. Theoretical Framework
Literature provides us the raw materials for moral judgment in the same
way that life does. So from literature we do not only read a fiction but also learn
so many values of life such as: self-sacrifice, struggle, freedom, the right to life,
and the morality, which could be applied in our life.
After discussing the theories that have been stated in the previous part,
the writer would like to try to answer the problems that are formulated in the
problem formulation part.
The theory of character and characterization and theory of action will be
the heroic actions that the character do in the writer’s topicThe Value of Heroism
as Reflected Trough Cain Hammett as the Main Character in Frederick
Manfred’s Riders of Judgment
.
Since heroism is the discussion in this topic, the writer adds the theory
of heroism. It is to reveal how characteristics and heroic actions of the character
are portrayed in the story. The writer believes that those theories used will support
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Object of the Study
The object of the study is mainly focused on the novelRiders of Judgment,
which is written by Frederick Manfred in 1957. It is a rich serious novel of
the violent west which is published in Cardinal edition, November 1958.
The Cardinal edition is published by Pocket Books, Inc and by arrangement with
Random House, Inc., May 1957. It is first printed in September 1958 in the USA.
In 2002, Manfred’s novel Riders of Judgment was made into a movie titled
Johnson County War.
This novel has 342 pages and divided into 4 parts. The first part introduces
Cain Hammett against Jesse Jacklin and Mitch Slaughter. Jesse Jacklin is the
general manager of Lord Peter Caudle’s cattle empire and Mitch Slaugther is a
foreman. Cain has ever worked for them, they asked Cain to work for Lord Peter
again, but he refuses because he wants to live freely and independently because
Cain finds that Jesse does not play honest to Lord Peter.
It is also about the cruelty of Lord Peter and his men. They claim many of
the folks to be the rustlers of horses and calves from the Derby (Lord Peter’s
brand) outfit, they arrest or even kill whoever opposes. They tell them that they
have warrants to arrest, but there is no warrant. They will lose them if they
promise to leave and stay outside the county. Hunt Lawton as the stock inspector
Hammett, Raymond Hammett, Gordon Hammett and the latest is Dale Hammett.
Jesse, Hunt Lawton and their man will not let Cain alive, because they know that
Cain is the most dangerous for them.
The last part describe about how Cain Hammett as one of the most forceful
character devoting days of effort to struggle. He is brave, courageously defending
the land. Cain Hammett defeats the enemy for his land when it threatens by the
ruthless cattle barons with their army of hired gunmen in the West to invade
Hammett’s territory. Cain must take up his weapon and defend his land and his
right. He fights and survives, it tells about how he finally revenges his family’s
murderer and how at last Cain Hammett stands completely alone against a number
of armed men. He thinks he must make this struggle a success whether to live or
die. This study will analyze the value of heroism brought by Cain Hammett’s
characteristics and heroic action
B. Approach of the Study
It is important to get deep understanding of the content of the novel, if we
try to analyze a literary work. However, to support the analysis, it needs a certain
approach. Since the analysis deals with the value of human being, the writer uses
Moral- Philosophical approach and some related theories in order to understand
the novel and make the analysis.
Characters in the novel greatly represent the story in the novel. Literary
works often give a big attention through the characters to give certain values,
behaviors, feelings, thoughts and willingness.
Most of literary works are aimed to deliver certain message to the readers
about what is good or bad in human life. The message that is given is usually
related to the way people have to live their life. The approach of
Moral-Philosophical emphasizes that the function of literature is to deliver moral
teaching and explores philosophical issues within a context of the philosophical
thought of a period or group (Guerin, 1979:29).
This approach is very useful to help the writer analyzing the value of
heroism which reflected through the main character’s characteristics and heroic
actions.
Every fiction such as Riders of Judgment shows its different story,
some of them tell the reader about many events, phenomenon and some about the
adventure of a man to deal with his life or present the truth of human life.
This story in this novel also leads the readers to the situation presented.
It holds that each person’s life should be the value for himself or even other
people. Since this undergraduate thesis concerns on philosophical issues that is
heroism which requires the achievement of values, so the Moral- Philosophical
approach is reasonable to be applied because discussing about value of heroism is
C. Method of the Study
Library research method was used since in this study the writer gathered
the data taken from books and theories which are found from documents,
either printed or on-line. The primary data was taken from the novel,
Riders of Judgment. There were also some steps that the writer used to complete
the analysis.
Firstly, the writer read the novel deeply in order to get better
understanding, to receive and then to response to the content of the story
as a whole. The writer tried to open her mind as widely as possible and be fully
responsive to the text. The writer mostly concerns and mainly focuses on
character, especially the main character. The writer used the text as the primary
source of the analysis to find the value of heroism found in the novel.
The writer also tried to find the secondary data about heroism and other
books which could help the writer in analyzing the novel. After that,
the writer made critical analysis. The analysis was based on the understanding
of the text
The writer tried to answer the problem formulated by using
the understanding which had been conducted by using the first and the second
data. The writer tried to apply the theories and combine them to the information
from the primary and secondary data. For the analysis the writer explained
the main character by concerning to his manner, his behavior and his view
in considering a thing to see his characteristics and actions. The writer tried
main character, mainly through his characteristics and heroic actions.
CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS
This undergraduate thesis concerns on the main character of the novel
about his importance in reflecting values of heroism. The discussion will be
divided into two parts based on the problem formulation stated in the previous
chapter. Firstly, this study will answer the question related to the main character’s
characterization. Secondly, it will discuss about the heroic actions done by the
main character and thirdly it will find the value of heroism reflected through the
main character’s characteristic and heroic actions.
A. The Characterization of the Main Character
It is already stated in chapter II that characterization is very important
in order to lead the readers to understand the story. Through the character’s
speeches, action, conversation of other characters or the author’s narration, etc,
the reader can follow the plot and understand it well. It means that
characterization can help the readers to get the message or the value brought
by the story.
In the novel Riders of Judgment, Manfred describes the main character
as a man who becomes the central or the main subject of the story to deliver
the value to the reader. The story is focused on Cain Hammett’s character.
His point of view, attitudes and the way he thinks and acts are explored
Cain Hammett as the main character in the story is a struggling person.
He has good moral and strong will to face and overcome the conflict surround
him. He lives to devoid his live to his land. Therefore, it is not surprising anymore
that the dominant atmosphere of the story is about heroism.
In the analysis, the writer focuses on the characterization of the main
characters as the means to help the writer to reveal the value of heroism.
Hammett’s characterization is very important help the reader understand story
and later on to seize the value the story tries to offer.
Cain Hammett is described as a tough man. What he does is different
from others. It can be said the way he does something or takes action is different
rather than another. Cain Hammett as the main character who is analyzed
is characterized this way:
1. A good-tempered
Cain Hammett is a good-tempered man. He always expresses good responses in
all the conversation and the all situation. It can be seen from his speech, he always
shows the appreciation by perceive other’s talk. He tries to understand and notice
to what is being the matter. As quoted from the conversation he has with Joey,
his nephew who is Dale’s and Rory’s son. It is shown that Cain patiently answers
all Joey’s questions. He does not ignore even a talk of a child, he tries to make and
take easy every situation.
“Why do you hang up your saddle for, Unk?”
“No cowboy worth his salt throws gear on the ground. You know that. Might get it tromped on. Besides, sand’ll stick to the sweaty underside and give the hoss saddle sores.”
“Why do you wait to water your hoss, Unk?”
“After a run, a horse is too heated to drink water right away” “Why do you wear a mustache, Unk? Paw don’t.”
“To strain the color from my language around little button like you.”(p.50)
Cain has just already reached Dales house when Joey comes to ask him
questions. On the conversation in which Cain is involved, Cain tries to get himself
as a good and wise uncle. He does not only hear Joey’s questions, but he also
explains the answers as he can with a good way of delivery speech for nine years
old boy. Although in fact, perhaps Cain knows well that Joey only asks for
greeting and does not really pay good attention to the answer or even does not
need the answer for sure. He manages his patience until in the last conversation.
Cain waits upon Joey’ curiosity then answering by making a joke for Joey when
he asks too much and starts to ask silly question.
His wisdom also appears in the moment when Cain and his men come
together in place to stray the misfortune a getting lost in Jesse’s bunch,
Derby outfit, out over seventy Mark-of-Cain in the herd that Jesse wants to
roundup inside the Crimson Wall. On that place Cain sees Link Keeler alias Hunt
Lawton as the inspector of cattle for Jesse and Mitch. Hunt Lawton is also known
as the murderer of Gramp Hammett and their parents. Dale and Harry are really
angry to see Hunt Lawton there, but Cain tries to make them calm and to control
their anger. Cain convinces his brothers that they have to focus on their aim
and give priority to what should be done. Although deep inside his heart Cain
has desire to fight against Hunt Lawton, but Cain success to throw away his
emotion and just get on with what needs doing first in order not to make another
Staring at the three new faces, Dale slowly turned white.
“Link! This put us in a real blind.” Dale dropped his hand on his .45 Cain laid a hand on his brother’s arm. “Steady now, Dale. Cattle first and feelings after.”
Harry paled some too. “Jesse,” he said softly. “I didn’t expect to see him here.” Harry gave Cain an odd troubled look; then glanced around behind him.Cain said, “Remember now, you waddies, first thing first. You can count cattle but not regret.” (p.132)
Another evidence of his wisdom is seen through his reaction to avenge
Hun Lawton for the death of Dale Hammett. The way he gives opinion toward
Rory shows that Cain is a wise person. On her grief of Dale’s death, Rory angrily
forces Cain to find and shot the murder of her husband. Dale is shot by Hunt
Lawton. As it is told in the story that Hunt Lawton is also the murder of the men
folk of Hammetts, Gramp Hammett, Raymond Hammett, Gordon Hammett and
the last is Dale Hammett. Rory needs Cain to kill Lawton as the vengeance for the
family, she thinks that Cain is the one who has the responsibility to do that
because Cain is the firstborn son of Hammett. Before Cain finally back down and
go find Lawton, they have big quarrel. In the quarrel, Cain tries to give advices
and argumentation to refuse Rory’s insistence, but Rory still on her desire.
“Your name is Cain Hammett. You are the firstborn brother. It is more beholden for you.”
“Rory, Rory, what makes you so all-fired hot for a killin’? What eatin’ you? What awful misery is gnawn your innard?” (p.228-229)
Cain listens to Rory’s willing carefully and gets to know her anger. Cain
tries to calm her down although he is also actually has the same feeling and
willing as Rory to take revenge on Lawton, but he thinks about the right time to
2. Honest
Cain is an honest man. He likes to tell the truth, never lies to what he feels
or thinks. It can be seen from his conversation with Harry Hammett.
Harry, his brother likes to forcibly put apart a few stray calves from mothers that
didn’t belong to him. When he knows that Harry does a dishonest thing of milking
his cows over Lord Peter’s calve, in order to make his cow recognize it and
mother it. He does not like to cheating or stealing. In fact, Harry himself knows
that Cain always believes that something human do today is something what they
get return and those little men could win honest if they just play honest and fight
fair. (p. 147)
“…Harry, why don’t you do like Dale and me? File on a homestead along the Shaken Grass and yet yourself a small spread going? Play it honest! God Knows we small stockmen got enough against us without outright thievery.” (p.36)
His honesty also can be found from the conversation of Cain with
Queenie, the town prostitute. Through what he says to answer and put forward
opinion, Cain shows his honesty. Queenie is included as the little stockman
and respect Cain as the good man in the county. Queenie asks him why he does
not do the same thing as the mostly cattlemen do of stealing other people calve,
and then Cain says the openness answer as below:
“Wal, I don’t much believe in taking neighbor’s beef. Oh, I know it’s a custom in these parts, when a fellow is short on meat, to go out and dab him a rope on a neighbor’s cow. They all do it. But me, I think that’s wrong. It leads to waste. A man is more apt to be saving when he butchers his own beef. But not if he kills his neighbor’s.” (p. 107-108)
Cain always does a thing based on what he thinks it is good and correct,
have the heart to do something disadvantageous for other’s wellbeing in order
to take own personal benefit. Cain thinks that carry away other people right will
never give any profit for him. By considering Cain’s past life, the writer finds
important clue to get to know about Cain Hammett. It is described through Cain’s
thought. The good decision when he once works for Lord Peter Caudle then he
finds out that there is some deceitfulness inside the outfit. Jesse and Mitch as the
men whom Lord Peter places his reliance on, they ask Cain to help them cheat the
owner of Derby outfit, Lord Peter. The deceitfulness of them makes he decides to
quit working for Jesse in Lord Peter Caudle. Later, when they meet and require
Cain to work for them again, he refuses them explicitly (p.11).
Cain also shows his honesty by telling the truth to Rory when he fails to
kill Lawton. He indeed goes and finds Lawton but he tells Rory admittedly about
his meeting with Lawton. He has tried to make Lawton want to draw gun on him
and have a fair fight with him, but Lawton refuse and escape from him. He is
manful to confess and feel sorry that he fails to fulfill Rory’s request. He brings
nothing about Lawton, but he does not cover it up.
Cain said, “Oh, as for that, I can talk about it any time. Because there ain’t much to tell.”
Cain gave her steady smoke-blue eyes. “Rory, I’m sorry, but he just wouldn’t draw.” Cain shook his head. “He just would not draw. It turned out to be nothing more than a square backdown. A looking contest.” (p.246)
The description of what Cain thinks about, the writer can find out his
character as an honest person. He thinks that Hunt shot men in the back is unfair,
Cain thinks it is a killing. He draws his gun to Hunt and wants Hunt to draw him
not want to do the same thing as Hunt Lawton does to his Hammetts. Kill a man
by shooting in the back is cowardice for Cain. (p.246)
Bon Hamilton or Hambone as the best cook for the cattlemen in the
Bighorn Country, states his point of view about Cain. He stated that Cain is an
honest man. Although Cain has ever been once a rustler when he work for Jesse
but now he considers that Cain grows up as an honest man. Hambone says that
everyone has ever made mistake in his or her past. He also judges Cain as the
most honest man in this county. (p.337)
Through those evidences it is clear that Cain Hammett shows his honesty
to bring what is good and always brings more goodness if it is good also for
others.
3. Helpful
Cain always does everything with kindness, care and generosity for others.
It can be seen when he helps a man who is hang on the tree.
Without wasting his time to think, Cain quickly cuts down the rope which tied on
the body and lays it carefully to the ground. Right after he sees the pathetic black
face of the body, he figures out that it is Harry, his brother. (p. 33)
How he reacts various situations help the writer to analyze Cain as a
helpful person. From the evidence above, it shows that Cain first seek is to help
others, without distinguishing who is the person he wants to help. Cain does not
only cut the rope of the hang man from the tree, but he also later takes care of him
and tries to make him become conscious when he finds that he still breathing.
Harry liked his lips. He sighed, deep. “Well. Looks like I’m going to run another season after all.”
“Sure you will.”
“It’s hard to believe I’m still here.”
Cain helped him sit against the log. Gradually the sun struck in under the cottonwood. A purplish pallor came and went around Harry’s eyes. (p. 35)
Cain as a helpful and caring man is also seen through his affection toward
Gram Hammett, his grandma who lives with Rory and Dale. When Cain visited
her in Dale’s house, he pays close attention to Gram and asks Rory to let himself
reading Holy Bible for Gram. He reads with his compassion until Gram gets ready
to sleep, then he puts his hand on Gram’s shoulder and kisses her. He really likes
to do it because he really loves Gram Hammett. (p. 69).
His reactions constitute his motivation. The way he perceives and response
events show that he is helpful. By helping Clara Jager, a woman who her husband,
Dencil Jager, is accused to be the rustler from Derby Outfit, by Jesse and his men.
They say they have a warrant from the government to arrest him. Dencil Jager can
not do anything except to follow their request. They bring Dencil out of his house
and leave Clara with her children. Clara come to Cain then tells him that Dencil
Jager has not come home for a week. Cain quickly gives respond and care.
He asks her not to worry and suggests her to go into the house to save her kids.
Cain held up a hand. “Wait, Wait. Meantime I got a hoss up in the corral. I’ll go rustle up some help and we’ll go hunt him up. And, Clara, look. If there is any righting to be done, we’ll do it. It ain’t much comfort to you mabbe to say that, but at least it’s somethin’ to take with ye.” (p. 202)
The relationship he builds not only of men and people surrounds him to
farms animal, but the caring for Lonesome results his life with a horse is in the
shows his kindness. As well as he minds about helping others, he also minds to
give his attention to animal. He expresses great sadness when his horse,
Lonesome, is sick. Cain tries to do all out to help it. He realizes that he has let
Lonesome as his best friend down and get cold of the bad weather, and he has to
make it up and help Lonesome get better again. Lonesome has accompanied him
everywhere he goes and moreover Lonesome has been a part of his journey. He
does not want to loose Lonesome, so he looks after it to get recover soon.
Although a day later Cain has to believe that Lonesome finally dies. But at least
he has done the best he can do for his truer friend.
“Steady, boy.”
He got a pail water. Straddling Lonesome’s neck, he lifted his head to help him drink. Lonesome lipped the water, but did not take any of it. After a bit, Lonesome’s lip twisted some, and Cain took it to be a smile, a weak one, as if in thanks. (p. 242).
In the emergency situation, Cain still considers helping others as important
thing. He takes the risks to his own. He is really unselfish. His good reaction
proves his aim to help others. When he is surrounded by a number of armed-man
around in his cabin, he sees Harry rides around come toward him and has a good
mind to save him. Cain cries loud to give order for Harry to go out far from the
cabin to avoid the shot. He does not want his brother to get injured, though he
himself is in dangerous.
Cain shouted a warning. “Look out, Harry!” He yelled for all he was worth,
4. Faithful
Cain is a man who is faithful. Cain and his two brothers really love
Rosemary and they compete to get her heart. The deepest thought of Cain
Hammett helps to describe his characteristic. The way he consider about what is
permitted to do or not brings him to a person who can hold his loyalty.
He actually disappoints with his grand father’s prohibition about marrying cousin.
But he is the only grandson of Hammett who is obedient. Gramp extremely hates
cousins marrying, for human or cattle. He thinks it will only make worse
generation. According to Gramp, it is one of the unforgivable sins. (p. 40). Dale
finally married to Rory and Dale is the father of Rory’s first child, while Cain is
the one who keeps his commitment to Gramp. He respect on what is forbidden by
Gramp, that Gramp really hates cousin marrying. Cain obeys Gramp prohibition.
Cain also shows his faithful by showing his passion to Rory.
He has to accept the reality that Rory is now Dale’s wife. He is a bachelor but also
a true lover, he keeps the love he feels. He still admires Rory although he knows
she will never be his. The author’s direct comment directly describes Cain
Hammett:
He remembered how beautiful Rosemary had been before she got married. At seventeen she’d had a full neck and bosom, a slim firm waist, sturdy legs with the inside line as straight as a string with a weight at the end of it, and oh God in that high wide face of hers such dark blue eyes they were almost black. He’d been crazy-wild about the dark dreamy fury he’d seen waiting in her eyes. Oh, with Gramp’s edict against inbreeding hanging over them it had been tremulous time. (p. 91-92).
Indirectly it is all at once also shows his faithfulness toward Dale.
that Rory also have the same feeling to him. He tries to be loyal to Dale as his
brother. The conversation between him and Queenie is a sort of Cain’s
faithfulness:
“How come you never got married?”
“Oh…” Cain puffed on his cigarette, deep. He blew up a rising boiling smoke ring. “Oh…I guess it was mostly that I was too nosy about what was on the other side of the hill.”
“Come now, Cain.”
“That’s right. I was mostly too much on the go.” “Somebody else put his brand on your gal first?” Cain laughed, short. “Wal, that too.”
“Maybe it’s time you put your running-iron on some other gal.” “Been thinkin’ some on that.” (p. 106).
Cain is a faithful man not only in the case of his love life or toward his
respectful to his grandfather’s prohibition. But it also expressed by his obedient
toward the law. When Rory forces him to go find Hunt Lawton and kill him,
Cain refuses it and gives good reason about the law of the country. If there are no
evidences or witnesses, he will not do anything which is against the law. This
opinion shows that he obeys the law:
Joey said. “We elected Ned Sine to office. Ain’t it about time help did something?”
Rory said, “There’s nothing use’n goin’ to the law in this country
Cain drank up. He stirred the grounds in the bottom of his cup. “To swear out a warrant you got to have evidence, Joey. And this time nobody saw it happen. At least not that we know of. So the sheriff can’t do anything just now.” (p. 226).
5. Brave
Another characteristic, Cain Hammett is a brave man. Almost in every
thing he does, he shows his bravery or courage. He acts to protect others,
His speech shows the consideration to avoid the threat to the rest of Hammett
family and people around him.
“All right then! Tomorrow morning I’ll go in and find him. I’m agin it. But I’ll go in any way. Maybe it is right to do wrong sometimes if it is for the women.” (p. 230).
He started Cain gets Lawton and challenges him to fight, he draws on
a gun at him and as he does he wants Lawton also to draw on him a gun. Cain
aims to make the fight fair.
Cain’s left arm hung half-crooked over his gun. He studied Hunt’s face. It galled him that Hunt ha eyes hard to hold up to. Cain said, “Alias, I might’s well come right out with it. I’ve come to town to kill you. Have you got your affairs in order?”
Hunt stood with his legs wide apart, both hands down, calm, easy. “As good as I’ll ever have them.”
“You’re all then set for Judgment Day?” “As set as I’ll ever be.” (p.232)
The other depiction of his bravery is also seen when he finds that Hunt
rapidly runs away from him, but he does not easily give up. He continues his
effort to chase after Hunt. He follows Hunt in the very dark night without any
lamplight, crosses the rough road and uncertain field. He is fearless to confront
whatever will be faced. It is shown that Cain is not easily frightened or worried
about anything that might be dangerous for his life (p. 237). His bravery is also
supported by his great strength and ability. It is represented when his opponent
surrounds Cain is inside his house. He is ready to pursue his goal steadily in the
face of powerful opponent. As it is stated by the author’s direct comment in this
evidence:
had. And he would. They might get him, but he would get some of them too, a lot of them. (p. 318).
The decision Cain makes to up against the opponent by himself shows the
courage to protect others and courage to do something bigger than another. Until
in the end of his struggling, he does not give up or escape from the circumstances
even when he knows that it is very risky. Through Jesse’s eyes and opinions, he
admits that Cain is a brave man who leads the armed-man against him.
Jesse said, “He was a brave man. Game to the end. It was almost a shame to kill him.” (p. 337)
His bravery to fight and face the opponent shows the simple pattern of his
thought which brings him to the simple act of struggling towards whatever
confronts him. He keeps moving until he reaches his purpose. Cain aims to make
Hunt fight, he asks Hunt to choose whether he wants to fight with guns or
empty-handed. He is a brave warrior.
Cain set his teeth. “This time I’ll get him. I’ll make him want to draw on me. I’ll cut loose my wolf and throw part of it into him and make him rear up. If he ain’t got animal enough in him I’ll borry him part of mine.” (p.238)
The same thing he does when he is left behind and he is alone in his cabin
then finds that Timberline, one of his boys is shot and wounded. He rebels
strongly to face the danger. He acts bravely by accepting any possible form of
risks. It seems that nothing can stop him even in the position of weakness.
“Well, there’s nothing for it but to battle them all, if that’s the way the cards want to fall…” (p. 319).
6. A good leader
Cain in this story is also described as a good leader, he inspires
and motivates other. Besides, he always focuses himself in doing something and
has obvious aims to achieve.
Cain leads other to achieve their purpose and try to make good decision
to choose. Through his conversation with Jesse, Cain gives opinion about justice
toward what the land they live. He representatively speaks the voice of the people
in the Bighorn County who feels discomfort with the brutal regulation of Lord
Peter. Jesse says that Bighorn County is a big-spread country, it is a country for
men who have big authority and wealthy and it will always be. He calls up Jesse
that this is also a country for the small stockman.
Cain said, “You’re forgetting something, Jesse. Who really owns the land you graze your cattle on? We all do. It’s public domain. All you own is the three-twenty homestead you built your ranch building on. Just like the rest of us who got us a piece of land from the guv’ment too.” (p. 15).
The ability of Cain to lead others to follow his direction to achieve good
purpose together, describe his leadership. When their cattle get lost in Jesse’s
herd, Cain asks his brother and one of their friends, Timberline to take the cattle
out from the herd. Because they know that Cain is a good leader who can be
trusted in all his decisions he takes, so his men agree to take order of him.
As it is seen through his speech in below quotations:
…when they finished, Cain looked over his little army. “Good, now. Nobody open his yap or make a move for his gun until I give the word.” (p. 122).
them to ride, along the stream. “Pack your guns loose. Take off your gloves. But keep your hands lookin’ innocent.” (p. 123).
Considering his conversation with Ned Sine, it is shown that Cain is not
only good in the case of leading other people to do something, but his leadership
is also depicted from other character’s point of view about him. Cain in this story
is described as a person who can listen and concern to other people difficulties. He
is the one who the people count on about their problems, although beneath him
there is Ned Sine, the elected sheriff, who properly has a duty to deal and make
out people’s problem. It is not because Ned Sine is not responsible of his job, but
because the people prefer to choose Cain as the certifiable one.
“Aw, hell, Cain, I’m afraid our Ned is in with Jesse and his boys by now. Bought over.”
“Well, you know he did question everyone in the valley about it. And pushed himself too, doin’ it.”
“Cain, you know very well he ain’t man enough to do the job. Now don’t you?”
“The trouble was, nobody would talk.”
“That’s just it,” Dale cried. “Everybody’s too scared to talk. Cain, it’s getting’ so people don’t even go to the law any more when they get in trouble. Like Clara. She came to you, not the sheriff.”(p. 206).
He is a thinker, he does not want to take any steps carelessly. He holds
rational thing, at least what he knows what he does is something practical. As it is
stated through what Cain thinks about from the direct description of his mind
below
