Zane Grey - Riders of the Purple Sage
A Closer Examination of Grey's Use of Figurative Language
Feb 19, 2009
In Zane Grey’s Riders of the Purple Sage, many of the landscape descriptions throughout this novella appear to give insight on certain characters, and seem to foreshadow particular events that happen later on in the story. In one passage, Grey uses metaphorical descriptions to embody the personality of his characters:
… studying the strange character of this slope and realizing that a moving black object could be seen far against such background. Before him ascended a gradual swell of smooth stone. It was hard, polished, and full of pockets worn by centuries of eddying rain-water. Then began a line of grotesque cedar-trees, and they extended along the slope clear to its most southerly end. He concluded the cedars, few as they were, would afford some cover (Grey, 82).
Dissecting the Passage
From the passage above, the reference to “a moving black object,” seems to be referring to Oldring, and his wrong doings. Oldring can be referred to as “a moving black object,” because the novella never gives any substance behind his character. That is, he has no background or specific identity as a character, thus it is appropriate to refer to him as an “object.” The color black usually represents some wicked person or deed. Venters had been scoping out Deception Pass, to see how Oldring was stealing, and moving Jane Withersteen’s herds of cattle without a trace. This shows that regardless of how clever someone is at stealing or cheating a person, their deceptive conduct will not go unnoticed by the just and righteous.
Metaphorically Speaking
Grey uses metaphorical language in his text which have sexual overtones. In one place, Venters approaches (a gradual swell of smooth stone). Later on, when Venters shoots the mysterious masked-rider, he is surprised to learn that the person is actually a woman disguised in a man’s outfit. Venters then notices he has shot the woman in the chest, and after examining the wound finds that her breast is “smooth” and beautiful as a “gradual swell.”
By the end of chapter ten, it is apparent that Bess’ love has grown “gradually” (as a swell), while Venters has nursed her back to health. After regaining her health, reference is made to Bess’ life: (It was hard, polished, and full of pockets worn by centuries). That is, a life of stealing would have been a “hard” and daunting one for any woman of this time period. On the other hand, Grey may have been suggesting a more broad reference to the Mormon religion. It was a difficult life for many Mormon women. They had no choice but to be conformed and “polished” as an obedient wife who listens to her husband’s every word.
Mormon Influence
In the latter half of the passage, reference is made about Jane Withersteen being “hard, polished, and full of pockets.” Although Jane conforms to the basic Mormon religious tenets, she does appear to have a mind of her own. She often assisted some of the Gentiles in her town with food and shelter--while the majority of Mormon women would frown on such actions. In addition, the reference of “eddying rain-water” seems to represent the prior generations of women who have Jane Withersteen’s character. It seems that they will be light-bearers who may slowly wear down (eddying) the standard of how Mormon women should behave in society.
In the End
The final two sentences of this particular passage describe the overall mindset Venters has towards the Mormon religion. Early on, he felt that all Mormon’s were bad, and could not be trusted (grotesque cedar-trees). However, he can now see that Jane Withersteen is not like the common Mormon follower. This line may also show the subtle intent and actions of Tull and Bishop Dyer. These two create havoc for Jane Withersteen, Venters, Fay, and Lassiter. However, it appears that Venters is trying to get out of the constant routine of having to deal with everyday confrontations. In the end, knowing that there are people like Jane Withersteen out there, Venters and others may feel that they can only help their seemingly lost cause by trying to peacefully coexist with the Mormons in Cottonwoods.
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