The Virginian · Chapter
III: Steve Treats explained
The narrator observes the saloon life in Medicine Bow, reflecting on the character of the cowboys and the Virginian.
What happens
The narrator observes the saloon life in Medicine Bow, reflecting on the character of the cowboys and the Virginian. A card dealer moralizes about bravery versus cowardice. The Virginian, having won at poker, decides to go to bed and orchestrates a prank on the American drummer by pretending to have a nightmare, causing a stir among the onlookers.
Themes in this chapter
Code of the West
The dealer's discourse on bravery versus cowardice illustrates the unwritten code of conduct among Western men, where a brave man is not considered dangerous, but a coward is unpredictable and feared.
Masculinity and Honor
The narrator contrasts the wild, manly faces of the cowboys with city vice, praising their daring and endurance, and notes a hidden nobility beneath their rough exterior.
Characters to notice
- The Virginian
Referred to as 'black-headed guy' by the dealer; shows strategic cunning in his card play and orchestrates a prank on the drummer.
- Trampas
Mentioned as losing money to the Virginian at poker; the Virginian gives him time to recoup his fortunes.
- Steve
Plays poker with the Virginian and Trampas; feigns indifference when the Virginian suggests going to bed.
- The Drummer
The American drummer who shares a bed with the Virginian; becomes the target of the Virginian's prank involving a fake nightmare.
- The Virginian
Demonstrates his familiarity with firearms and his habit of sleeping with his knife and gun under his pillow.
Key passages
“He's a brave man. That's different.”
The dealer explains that the Virginian is courageous, not dangerous, unlike a coward who might shoot unpredictably.
The dealer distinguishes between bravery and dangerousness, a key point in the chapter's moralizing.
“It's the cowards that scare me.”
The dealer says he fears cowards because they act irrationally and cause harm to innocent bystanders.
This line reinforces the theme of the Code of the West.
“Don't yu' touch me.”
The Virginian warns the drummer not to touch him if he has a nightmare, as it will only last a minute.
This sets up the prank and shows the Virginian's playful yet controlled nature.