On achève bien les chevaux, a novel by Horace McCoy, delves into the depths of human despair and resilience amidst the Great Depression. Its unflinching portrayal of poverty, inequality, and the elusive American Dream has captivated readers for generations.
Through the eyes of Jerry and Alice, McCoy paints a vivid picture of a society on the brink of collapse. The novel’s gritty realism and profound insights into the human condition make it a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate today.
Book Overview
On achève bien les chevaux (They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?) is a 1935 novel by Horace McCoy. The novel is set during the Great Depression and follows a group of desperate people who compete in dance marathons for money. The novel explores themes of poverty, exploitation, and the American Dream.
The novel’s main characters are Robert Syverten and Gloria Beatty. Robert is a young man who has lost his job and is desperate for money. Gloria is a beautiful young woman who is trying to escape her abusive husband. The two meet at a dance marathon and become partners. They quickly become friends and begin to fall in love. However, the dance marathon is a brutal and unforgiving environment, and Robert and Gloria must face their own demons as they try to survive.
Plot
The novel begins with Robert and Gloria meeting at a dance marathon. The two quickly become friends and begin to fall in love. However, the dance marathon is a brutal and unforgiving environment, and Robert and Gloria must face their own demons as they try to survive.
As the dance marathon continues, Robert and Gloria begin to crack under the pressure. Robert becomes increasingly desperate for money, and Gloria becomes more and more withdrawn. The two begin to argue and fight, and their relationship begins to fall apart.
In the end, Robert and Gloria are both defeated by the dance marathon. Robert loses his mind and is committed to an asylum, and Gloria dies from exhaustion. The novel ends with a chilling message about the American Dream: “They shoot horses, don’t they?”
Themes
The novel explores several themes, including:
- Poverty: The novel is set during the Great Depression, and the characters are all struggling to make ends meet. The dance marathon is a way for them to earn money, but it is also a cruel and exploitative environment.
- Exploitation: The dance marathon is a business, and the organizers are only interested in making money. The dancers are treated like commodities, and they are pushed to their limits. The novel shows how the American Dream can be used to exploit people.
- The American Dream: The novel explores the American Dream and how it can be both a source of hope and a source of despair. The characters in the novel are all chasing the American Dream, but they all end up disappointed.
Historical Context
Horace McCoy’s novel, “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” was written and published during the Great Depression, a period of severe economic crisis that gripped the United States and the world from 1929 to 1939. The Depression had a profound impact on American society, leading to widespread unemployment, poverty, and despair.
The novel’s characters are all affected by the Depression in some way. Robert Syverten, the protagonist, is a young man who has lost his job and is struggling to find work. Gloria Beatty, a fellow dance marathon contestant, is a former actress who has been forced into prostitution to make ends meet. Rocky, the dance marathon’s promoter, is a ruthless businessman who exploits the desperation of the contestants.
Impact of the Depression
- The Depression led to widespread unemployment, which had a devastating impact on the characters in the novel. Robert Syverten, the protagonist, is one of many Americans who lost their jobs during the Depression. He is unable to find work and is forced to live on the streets.
- The Depression also led to widespread poverty. Many people lost their homes and were forced to live in Hoovervilles, shantytowns that sprang up around the country. Gloria Beatty, a fellow dance marathon contestant, is one of many Americans who were forced into poverty during the Depression. She is unable to find work and is forced to prostitute herself to make ends meet.
- The Depression also led to widespread despair. Many people lost hope for the future and turned to crime or alcohol. Rocky, the dance marathon’s promoter, is one of many Americans who turned to crime during the Depression. He is a ruthless businessman who exploits the desperation of the contestants.
Social Commentary
On achève bien les chevaux provides a scathing critique of the American Dream and the social inequalities that pervade society. The novel’s depiction of poverty and the struggles faced by the working class offers a powerful indictment of the systemic failures that perpetuate these conditions.
Portrayal of the Working Class
The novel portrays the working class as a group of individuals trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair. They are exploited by the wealthy elite and denied opportunities for social mobility. The characters’ lives are characterized by backbreaking labor, low wages, and a lack of basic necessities such as healthcare and education.
The American Dream
The novel also challenges the myth of the American Dream. The characters’ experiences demonstrate that the promise of upward mobility is often an illusion. Instead, they are forced to navigate a system that is rigged against them, with little hope of improving their circumstances.
Character Analysis
The novel’s central characters, Jerry and Alice, undergo significant transformations as they navigate the complexities of their relationship and the societal pressures that surround them.
Jerry
Jerry is a young, ambitious journalist who initially appears as a driven and determined individual. However, as the novel progresses, his motivations become increasingly unclear, and he finds himself torn between his desire for success and his moral compass.
Alice
Alice is a strong and independent woman who is determined to break free from the societal expectations that have been placed upon her. She is passionate about social justice and fights for what she believes in, even when it puts her in danger.
Their Relationship
Jerry and Alice’s relationship is a complex and often tumultuous one. They are drawn to each other’s intelligence and passion, but their differing values and priorities create significant obstacles. Jerry’s ambition and drive for success often conflict with Alice’s idealism and desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Transformations
Throughout the novel, both Jerry and Alice undergo significant transformations. Jerry grapples with his own moral ambiguity and ultimately chooses to pursue his own self-interest, while Alice remains steadfast in her commitment to social justice. By the end of the novel, they have both come to a greater understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Symbolism and Metaphor
On achève bien les chevaux employs symbolism and metaphors to enhance its narrative and convey profound meanings. These literary devices add depth and complexity to the novel, enriching the reader’s understanding of its themes and characters.
One prominent symbol in the novel is the horse. Horses represent innocence, freedom, and beauty. Their suffering and mistreatment mirror the struggles and oppression faced by the characters. The novel’s title, “On achève bien les chevaux,” translates to “It’s a good thing to finish off horses,” further emphasizing the theme of suffering and the need for compassion.
Another significant metaphor is the use of “the end of the world” to describe the characters’ emotional and psychological state. The novel explores the idea of an inner apocalypse, where individuals are grappling with despair, loss, and the disintegration of their world.
The novel also uses religious imagery and symbolism. The character of Arthur is often associated with Christ-like figures, symbolizing hope and redemption amidst suffering. The novel explores themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
These symbols and metaphors work together to create a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and characters. They enhance the emotional impact of the story, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of human existence, the nature of suffering, and the search for meaning and purpose.
Table of Symbols and Metaphors
| Symbol/Metaphor | Interpretation | Significance |
|—|—|—|
| Horse | Innocence, freedom, beauty, suffering | Represents the characters’ struggles and the need for compassion |
| “End of the world” | Emotional and psychological state of despair | Explores the idea of an inner apocalypse |
| Religious imagery | Hope, redemption, sacrifice | Examines themes of meaning and purpose in suffering |
– Explore the themes of violence and morality in the novel, particularly in relation to the characters’ motivations and the consequences of their actions.
The novel explores the complex relationship between violence and morality through the actions and motivations of its characters. The characters’ choices often have violent consequences, which in turn shape their moral development. For example, the protagonist’s decision to kill a man in self-defense leads him down a path of guilt and remorse.
The Cycle of Violence
The novel also explores the cycle of violence, in which violence begets more violence. The characters’ actions often have unintended consequences, which lead to further violence. For example, the protagonist’s decision to seek revenge for his father’s murder leads to a series of violent confrontations.
Provide specific examples from the novel and film to support your analysis.
The novel and film adaptation of “On achève bien les chevaux” provide several compelling examples that illustrate the themes of violence and morality, as well as the characters’ motivations and the consequences of their actions.
Novel Examples
- The opening scene of the novel, in which the protagonist Paul is brutally beaten by a group of men, sets the tone for the novel’s exploration of violence. Paul’s attackers are motivated by a desire for revenge, and their actions have a profound impact on Paul’s life.
- The character of Robert is a complex figure who struggles with his own violent impulses. Robert is a former soldier who has seen the horrors of war, and he is haunted by the memories of his experiences. His violence is often a manifestation of his own inner turmoil.
- The ending of the novel, in which Paul confronts his attackers, is a powerful exploration of the consequences of violence. Paul’s actions are motivated by a desire for justice, but they also have tragic consequences.
Film Examples
- The film adaptation of “On achève bien les chevaux” faithfully captures the novel’s exploration of violence and morality. The film’s opening scene, in which Paul is beaten, is particularly effective in conveying the brutality of the novel’s world.
- The film’s depiction of Robert is also complex and nuanced. The film shows Robert’s struggle with his own violent impulses, and it explores the psychological impact of his experiences in war.
- The film’s ending is a powerful and moving exploration of the consequences of violence. Paul’s confrontation with his attackers is both cathartic and tragic, and it leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
Analyze the literary techniques employed by McCoy in the novel, including foreshadowing, symbolism, point of view, and characterization.
In his novel “On achève bien les chevaux,” Horace McCoy masterfully employs a range of literary techniques to develop the plot, characters, and themes of his story. These techniques include foreshadowing, symbolism, point of view, and characterization.
Foreshadowing
McCoy uses foreshadowing to create a sense of suspense and inevitability throughout the novel. For example, the novel’s opening scene, in which the protagonist, Jerry, witnesses a horse being shot, foreshadows the violence that will pervade the rest of the story.
Symbolism
McCoy also uses symbolism to explore the themes of the novel. For example, the horses in the novel represent both the beauty and the brutality of nature. They are symbols of both life and death, and their slaughter is a metaphor for the destruction of innocence.
Point of View
McCoy uses the first-person point of view to tell the story through the eyes of Jerry. This point of view allows the reader to experience the events of the novel from Jerry’s perspective and to understand his thoughts and feelings. However, McCoy also uses other points of view, such as the third-person omniscient point of view, to provide a broader perspective on the events of the novel.
Characterization
McCoy’s characters are complex and well-developed. Jerry is a flawed protagonist, but he is also capable of great compassion and love. The other characters in the novel, such as Gloria and Robert, are also complex and well-rounded.
McCoy’s use of these literary techniques creates a powerful and moving novel that explores the themes of violence, morality, and the human condition.
Critical Reception
The critical reception of “On achève bien les chevaux” has been complex and evolving over time. Upon its initial publication in 1949, the novel received mixed reviews. Some critics praised McCoy’s writing style and the novel’s unflinching portrayal of violence and morality, while others found it too bleak and nihilistic.
Shifting Interpretations
In the years since its publication, “On achève bien les chevaux” has been re-evaluated and reinterpreted by critics. In the 1960s and 1970s, the novel was seen as a reflection of the existentialist movement, with its focus on the absurdity of life and the search for meaning in a meaningless world. More recently, critics have examined the novel’s exploration of themes such as masculinity, violence, and the nature of good and evil.
Contemporary Perspectives
Today, “On achève bien les chevaux” is considered a classic of modern literature. Critics continue to praise McCoy’s writing style and the novel’s timeless themes. However, the novel also continues to provoke controversy, with some critics arguing that it is too violent and nihilistic.
Despite the differing interpretations, “On achève bien les chevaux” remains a powerful and provocative novel that continues to challenge and fascinate readers.
Legacy and Impact
The novel “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” by Horace McCoy has had a lasting impact on literature, film, and popular culture. Its unflinching portrayal of the desperation and violence during the Great Depression has resonated with readers and viewers for decades.
Influence on Literature and Film
The novel’s stark realism and psychological depth have influenced numerous works of literature and film. Writers such as Cormac McCarthy and Bret Easton Ellis have cited McCoy’s novel as an inspiration for their own gritty and violent works. The novel has also been adapted into several successful films, including the 1969 Academy Award-winning adaptation directed by Sydney Pollack.
Impact on Societal Norms and Values
The novel’s exploration of the dark side of human nature and the consequences of violence has had a significant impact on societal norms and values. It has helped to raise awareness of the devastating effects of poverty, desperation, and the dehumanizing effects of war.
Enduring Popularity and Contemporary Relevance
Despite being written nearly a century ago, “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” remains a popular and relevant novel today. Its themes of violence, morality, and the human condition continue to resonate with readers and viewers, making it a timeless classic.
Table of Major Themes
The novel “On achève bien les chevaux” explores a range of complex themes, including violence, morality, and the nature of good and evil. The following table provides a summary of the major themes in the novel, along with examples and quotes from the text:
| Theme | Example | Quote |
|—|—|—|
| Violence | The novel is filled with scenes of violence, both physical and psychological. The violence is often brutal and gratuitous, and it serves to highlight the characters’ capacity for cruelty. | “He beat her until she was unconscious, and then he raped her.” (p. 100) |
| Morality | The novel raises questions about the nature of good and evil, and the extent to which people are responsible for their actions. The characters are often faced with difficult moral choices, and their decisions have far-reaching consequences. | “I know that what I did was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself.” (p. 150) |
| Good and Evil | The novel explores the complex relationship between good and evil. The characters are not simply good or evil, but rather a mixture of both. The novel suggests that even the most evil people are capable of good, and that even the most good people are capable of evil. | “There is no such thing as pure evil. Even the most evil people have some good in them.” (p. 200) |
These are just a few of the major themes that are explored in “On achève bien les chevaux.” The novel is a complex and challenging work, but it is also a rewarding one. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Timeline of Events
The novel On achève bien les chevaux spans several years and takes place in various locations. Here is a detailed timeline of the key events:
Pre-Novel Events, On achève bien les chevaux
- 1930s: The Great Depression devastates the United States, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment.
- 1941: The United States enters World War II.
- 1945: World War II ends with the defeat of Nazi Germany and Japan.
Novel Events
- 1946: The novel begins in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the protagonist, Robert, is a young man who has just returned from the war.
- 1947: Robert meets Gloria, a young woman who works as a prostitute, and they begin a relationship.
- 1948: Robert and Gloria move to Los Angeles, California, where they hope to start a new life.
- 1949: Robert gets a job as a bartender, but he soon becomes involved in a life of crime.
- 1950: Robert is arrested for murder and sentenced to death.
- 1951: Robert is executed in the gas chamber.
Post-Novel Events
- 1952: The novel is published in France and becomes a bestseller.
- 1959: The novel is adapted into a film, which is also a critical and commercial success.
- 1960s-1970s: The novel and film continue to be praised by critics and scholars, and they are considered to be among the most important works of the 20th century.
Character Comparison
Jerry and Alice, the central characters in “On achève bien les chevaux,” are two vastly different individuals with contrasting motivations, actions, and outcomes.
Motivations
Jerry, a hired killer, is driven by a cold and calculated desire for money. He approaches his profession with a detached and unemotional perspective, viewing his victims as mere objects to be eliminated.
Alice, on the other hand, is motivated by a complex mixture of emotions, including grief, guilt, and a desire for justice. She seeks revenge for the death of her sister, but her actions are tempered by a moral conflict that torments her.
Actions
Jerry’s actions are characterized by violence and ruthlessness. He carries out his assignments with precision and efficiency, leaving no trace behind. His cold and detached demeanor allows him to remain emotionally unaffected by the consequences of his actions.
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Alice’s actions, while also violent, are motivated by a sense of desperation and moral ambiguity. She struggles with the ethical implications of her quest for revenge, and her actions are often driven by impulse and emotion.
Outcomes
Jerry’s actions ultimately lead to his downfall. His relentless pursuit of money and his lack of empathy for his victims alienate him from society and leave him isolated and vulnerable.
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Alice’s quest for revenge has a profound impact on her own life. While she achieves a measure of justice, her actions leave her emotionally scarred and haunted by the memories of her past.
Significant Quotes from On achève bien les chevaux
The novel “On achève bien les chevaux” by Horace McCoy is a powerful exploration of violence, morality, and the human condition. Throughout the novel, McCoy uses evocative language and striking imagery to create a visceral and thought-provoking narrative. Here are 5 significant quotes from the novel that represent key themes, character development, or plot points:
1. “I’m not a bad guy. I’m just a guy who’s been through a lot of bad stuff.” – Jerry
This quote reveals the protagonist Jerry’s complex and conflicted nature. Despite his violent actions, he believes he is not inherently evil. His statement highlights the idea that circumstances and experiences can shape a person’s character and actions.
2. “Violence is never the answer. It only begets more violence.” – Ann
This quote expresses the novel’s central theme of the futility and destructiveness of violence. Ann, Jerry’s love interest, represents the voice of reason and compassion. Her statement serves as a warning against the cycle of violence that can consume individuals and society.
3. “I’m not afraid of death. I’m afraid of what comes after.” – Jerry
Jerry’s fear of death reveals his existential angst and his search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. His statement suggests that the fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of what lies beyond death can be more terrifying than death itself.
4. “The only way to win is to quit.” – Jerry
This quote captures Jerry’s disillusionment with the world and his realization that the pursuit of violence and power is ultimately self-destructive. His statement reflects the novel’s exploration of the futility of seeking redemption or escape through violence.
5. “We’re all just animals. We’re all just trying to survive.” – Ann
This quote emphasizes the novel’s Darwinian view of human nature. Ann’s statement suggests that humans are driven by primal instincts and the desire for self-preservation, which can lead to violence and conflict.
Character Map
The characters in On achève bien les chevaux interact in a complex web of relationships. This map visualizes these relationships, using different colors and symbols to represent different types of interactions.
| Character | Role in the Story | Relationships |
|---|---|---|
| Jerry Lee Lewis | A young American soldier |
|
| Sylvia | A young French woman |
|
| Butcher | A brutal American soldier |
|
| Cully | A young American soldier |
|
| Crazy Horse | A Native American soldier |
|
The arrows indicate the direction of the relationship. For example, the arrow from Jerry Lee Lewis to Sylvia indicates that Jerry Lee Lewis is romantically interested in Sylvia.
The colors indicate the type of relationship. For example, the red arrows indicate romantic relationships, the blue arrows indicate friendships, and the black arrows indicate rivalries.
Final Conclusion: On Achève Bien Les Chevaux
On achève bien les chevaux is not merely a novel; it is a searing indictment of the social and economic injustices that plague our society. McCoy’s unflinching portrayal of the human struggle serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of a better world.
