XXII: “What Is a Rustler?” explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Civilization vs. Wilderness

  Molly's internal conflict between the civilized East and the wild West is central, as she uses the Ogdens' Eastern presence to resist her attraction to the Virginian.

• Love and Romance

  The chapter explores Molly's romantic turmoil, her rejection of Sam Bannett, and her deep but conflicted feelings for the Virginian, as well as her great-aunt's past love.

• Class and Democracy

  The contrast between Eastern social circles (the Ogdens, Bennington society) and the Western ranch life underscores class distinctions and Molly's navigation between them.

Characters to notice

• Molly Stark Wood

  Visits Sunk Creek Ranch, spends time with the Ogdens, and decides to travel East with them. In Bennington, she reunites with family and rejects Sam Bannett's suit. Her great-aunt discerns her feelings for the Virginian.

• The Virginian

  Now foreman at Sunk Creek, busy with duties and unable to spend time with Molly. He hides his hurt at her departure and gives her a meaningful look and words about them going together next time.

• Sam Bannett

  Renews his suit to Molly in Bennington, taking her driving and showing her local sights, but she gently refuses him.

• Grandmother Stark

  Molly's great-aunt in Dunbarton, who perceives Molly's changed demeanor and attachment to the Virginian. She shares her own youthful love story and offers support.

• Mr. Ogden

  Part of the Ogden family, Eastern visitors who reinforce Molly's connection to the East during her stay at Sunk Creek.

• Judge Henry

  Mentions the Virginian's promotion and his satisfaction with the new foreman's performance and magnanimity.

• Mrs. Henry

  Expresses gratitude to the Virginian for limiting Dr. MacBride's stay to one night.

• Dr. MacBride

  Mentioned as the missionary whose visit was shortened by the Virginian's actions.

Key passages

• “We all know what birds of a feather do. And it may be safely surmised that if a bird of any particular feather has been for a long while unable to see other birds of its kind, it will flock with them all the more assiduously when they happen to alight in its vicinity.”

  People naturally seek out others who share their background and interests, especially after being isolated from them for a time.

  The narrator uses the metaphor of birds flocking together to explain Molly's attraction to the Ogdens and the Eastern society they represent.

• “I expect to like another man better than you.”

  Molly tells the Virginian she will likely prefer someone else over him.

  Molly's statement reflects her attempt to distance herself emotionally from the Virginian after her time away.

• “Next time, neither of us will stay behind. We'll both go together.”

  The Virginian promises that in the future, they will travel together rather than be separated.

  This line shows the Virginian's determination and hope for a shared future with Molly, despite her current rejection.

• “She could wound him, and she knew it. Nobody else could. That is why she did it.”

  Molly deliberately hurts the Virginian because she is the only one who can, and she uses that power.

  The narrator highlights the unique intimacy and cruelty in Molly's treatment of the Virginian.

• “I don't believe I can love anyone, except myself.”

  Molly claims she is incapable of loving anyone other than herself.

  Molly's self-doubt about her capacity for love is revealed to her great-aunt, who understands the underlying conflict.

• “She is like us all. She wants a man that is a man.”

  The great-aunt reflects that Molly, like all women, desires a strong and masculine partner.

  This insight from the great-aunt acknowledges Molly's attraction to the Virginian's rugged masculinity.