The Mindset Of Binary Oppositions In Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove

Set in 1870s,Lonesome Dove depicts the Hat Creek cowboys’ strenuous cattle drive from Texas to Montana where they intend to run a ranch.In the novel,McMurtry depicts a wide variety of characters whose distinctive views and major choices present three significant pairs of binary oppositions,namely Epicureanism＆Stoicism,reason＆emotion,and love＆sexuality.Within each pair,there are two modes of binary that are in reverse.For instance,reason＆emotion consists of "reason/emotion" as well as"emotion/reason".From the perspective of James Phelan’s rhetorical narratology,this thesis contends that McMurtry’s many characters in Lonesome Dove share the mindset of binary oppositions,and that the author leads readers to be cognizant of the danger of the six major binary oppositions,produces in readers negative narrative judgments about those specific binaries,and therefore manages to propose and strengthen his severe criticism of the underlying mindset of binary oppositions.The three pairs of binaries will be examined individually in three chapters.The first chapter is devoted to the binary of Epicureanism and Stoicism,which are respectively embodied in characters Call and Augustus.Despite potential danger of various kinds,Call determinedly launches a cattle drive from Texas to Montana,which ends up in a string of tragic deaths.Through narrative progression,the author reveals the fact that Stoicism is inclined to precipitate reckless decisions that are both unrealistic and detrimental,therefore prompting negative readerly judgments on "Stoicism/Epicureanism".Meanwhile,Augustus brings about his own death due to unrestrained self-indulgence and carelessness of danger.Via the depiction of his reflection and regret,the author manages to mount attacks on "Epicureanism/Stoicism".The second chapter is focused on binaries pertaining to reason and emotion.The author leads readers to attribute the romantic tragedy of Clara and Augustus to the former’s absolute insistence on rationality and her excessive repression of tender affection.By this means,McMurtry delivers criticism on"rationality/emotion".Meanwhile,the author portrays the maturing process of July who has transformed from a miserable youth dominated by emotion to a rational and reliable man.Through July’s growth,the author manifests the immaturity of being completely subject to emotion,therefore prompting the reader’s negative judgment on"emotion/reason".The third chapter deals with binaries concerning love and sexuality.By presenting Roscoe’s and Newt’s separate sexual experiences that help them awaken to their potential vitality and have a deeper connection with themselves,the author lays great emphasis on the positive side of human sexuality and as a result criticizes "love/sexuality"binary.At the same time,the playboy Jake’s promiscuous style turns him into an unconscious killer and brings about his own death in the end.By leading readers to attribute Jake’s tragic fate to his loveless promiscuity,McMurtry demonstrates to readers the danger of"sexuality/love" and proposes his criticism of it.