Achmed Turay: Shane Discussion

     If you focus on Shane as Schaefer’s ideal representation of a man, you will see that manhood is not so much about the outward display of strength and physical prowess as it is about the ability to persevere through inward struggles and endure tough situations. When viewed in this perspective, all of Shane’s actions throughout the story make sense. It was Shane’s inner resolve, not his physical prowess, which enabled him to keep working hard to cut down that tree stump in the Starrett’s yard. It was Shane’s mastery of himself and his inner emotions that prevented him from initially fighting back when Chris tried to goad and provoke him. It was Shane’s emotional toughness that allowed him to temporarily incapacitate Joe when he was about to set off to meet Fletcher and Wilson, even though he deeply cared about Joe. And finally, it was Shane’s determination that allowed him to keep going, even after he had gotten shot by Wilson. Based on Shane’s actions, it is clear that being a man is about never giving in to the easy way of doing things.