# XXII: Riders of the Purple Sage explained — Riders of the Purple Sage

> Chapter companion for Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey.

## What happens

Venters and Bess ride away from Cottonwoods on Black Star and Night, escaping Tull and his riders. They reflect on their future, their love, and the possibility of returning to Surprise Valley. After a tense chase, they outrun Tull's men, and Venters realizes Bess is the legendary Masked Rider. They ride on toward Sterling, planning to marry and start a new life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Venters and Bess's love drives their escape and plans for marriage; Jane's gift of the blacks is a sacrifice for their freedom.

### Wilderness and Freedom

The vast purple sage symbolizes both the danger and the liberty they seek; the chase underscores the wildness of the land.

## Character check-ins

### Venters

Rides Night, leads Bess toward Sterling, reflects on their future and the chase.

### Bess

Rides Black Star, reveals her past as the Masked Rider, shows exceptional horsemanship.

### Tull

Leads a band of riders pursuing Venters and Bess, but is outrun.

### Lassiter

Mentioned as having gone down into the Pass with Jane; Venters hopes he outwits Tull.

### Jane Withersteen

Mentioned as having given the blacks to Venters and Bess; waves farewell as they ride away.

## Key lines

> Oh, Bern! I love him! ... He's beautiful; he knows; and how he can run!

Bess expresses her deep affection for Black Star, marveling at his beauty and speed.

_Highlights Bess's emotional connection to the horse and her joy in the escape._

> We'll buy a beautiful farm with meadows and springs and cool shade. There we'll turn the horses free—free to roam and browse and drink—never to feel a spur again—never to be ridden!

Venters dreams of a peaceful life in Illinois where the horses can live without restraint.

_Contrasts the wild, harsh Utah landscape with the idyllic future they envision._

> Call me—Elizabeth.

Bess asks Venters to use her full name, Elizabeth Erne, as a sign of her new identity.

_Marks her transition from the Masked Rider to a woman ready for marriage and a new life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riders_of_the_purple_sage_se/chapters/xxii-riders-of-the-purple-sage
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riders_of_the_purple_sage_se/chapters