The Virginian · Chapter
XVIII: "Would You Be a Parson?" explained
The narrator and the Virginian return to Sunk Creek Ranch, where tensions with Trampas escalate over a rope dispute.
What happens
The narrator and the Virginian return to Sunk Creek Ranch, where tensions with Trampas escalate over a rope dispute. The Virginian confronts Trampas about taking his rope, but the situation is interrupted by the arrival of a missionary, Dr. MacBride, who is waiting for Judge Henry. The Virginian's philosophical reflections on religion and his recitation of Shakespeare's bee speech reveal his inner thoughts. The chapter ends with the Virginian asserting his own moral code, distinct from organized religion.
Themes in this chapter
Code of the West
The Virginian's handling of the rope theft and his refusal to escalate to violence demonstrate the unwritten rules of honor and restraint among cowboys.
Masculinity and Honor
The Virginian's controlled anger and his confrontation with Trampas highlight the importance of maintaining dignity and respect in a masculine frontier society.
Civilization vs. Wilderness
The missionary's rigid, civilized demeanor contrasts with the wild, open landscape and the Virginian's more flexible moral philosophy.
Characters to notice
- The Virginian
Confronts Trampas over the rope theft, engages in philosophical discussion about religion, and recites Shakespeare's bee speech.
- Trampas
Attempts to provoke the Virginian by taking his rope and later dropping it, but avoids direct confrontation.
- Dr. MacBride
The missionary who arrives at Sunk Creek, seeking Judge Henry; his rigid demeanor contrasts with the Western setting.
- Judge Henry
Returns to the ranch with a wagon of guests, including Molly Wood, and is greeted by the missionary.
- Molly Stark Wood
Arrives at Sunk Creek with Judge Henry's party, observed by the narrator.
- The Narrator
Observes the interactions between the Virginian, Trampas, and the missionary; engages in conversation about religion.
Key passages
“A man, any full-sized man, ought to own a big lot of temper. And like all his valuable possessions, he'd ought to keep it and not lose any.”
A mature man should have a great deal of temper, but he should control it and not waste it.
The Virginian reflects on the value of controlled anger after his outburst.
“I reckon He plays a square game with us if He plays at all, and I ain't bothering my haid about other worlds.”
I believe God is fair if He exists, and I don't worry about the afterlife.
The Virginian expresses his pragmatic, non-dogmatic view of religion.
“One God and fifteen religions. That's a right smart of religions for just one God.”
It seems excessive to have so many different religions all worshipping the same God.
The Virginian comments on the multiplicity of Christian denominations.