For the better part of the novel, Kit Carson is portrayed as an honorable man. He befriends Latour and Vaillant, saves Vaillant when the priest is overcome by black measles, and gives shelter to Magdalena. As an agent of the United States government, however, Carson performs despicable acts to force […]
Read more Character Analysis Kit CarsonCharacter Analysis Joseph Vaillant
Vaillant complements the cold reserve of Latour. Whereas Latour is handsome, calculated, and emotionally distant, Vaillant is homely, impulsive, and sometimes too vehement. Despite these qualities, Vaillant required Latour’s support in order to find the strength to leave France for the New World. He loves good food and drink but […]
Read more Character Analysis Joseph VaillantCharacter Analysis Jean Marie Latour
Cather goes to great lengths to depict Latour as a character subject to humanity and human foibles, rather than as an idealized and unbelievably unrealistic symbol of moral and religious rectitude. In so doing, she creates a fully rounded individual who is more believable, and whose accomplishments are more remarkable […]
Read more Character Analysis Jean Marie LatourSummary and Analysis Book 9: Chapters 1-8
Summary Archbishop Latour retires to a small estate four miles north of Santa Fe, which he has purchased to live in during the last years of his life. The estate features an apricot tree that is more than two-hundred years old and that still bears delicious fruit. He cultivates an […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 9: Chapters 1-8Summary and Analysis Book 8: Chapter 3
Summary It takes a month to build Vaillant’s wagon. Latour believes this will be his final parting with his good friend. Vaillant believes Divine Providence brought him back to Santa Fe just in time for him to receive orders to Denver, but Latour confesses he brought Vaillant back because he […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 8: Chapter 3Summary and Analysis Book 8: Chapter 2
Summary The following day, Latour receives a letter from Leavenworth, Kansas, that describes the Colorado gold rush. Vaillant already knows about the gold rush from letters he has received from his brother in Europe. The Bishop of Leavenworth has visited Colorado and has seen the squalor of the living conditions […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 8: Chapter 2Summary and Analysis Book 8: Chapter 1
Summary Vaillant is called back to Santa Fe by Latour, but he does not know why. He is there three weeks when Latour tells him they are going for a ride. Vaillant is impatient to get back to his parish. They ride into the Sandia mountains and come upon a […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 8: Chapter 1Summary and Analysis Book 7: Chapter 4
Summary On the third day, Latour emerges from his meditation. Eusabio is beating a drum for a dance given by his nephews. Latour tells Eusabio that he wants to send a letter to Vaillant. He will send Jacinto if someone from Eusabio’s village consents to accompany the Bishop to Santa […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 7: Chapter 4Summary and Analysis Book 7: Chapter 3
Summary The following spring, Latour and Jacinto go to the Painted Desert and the Hopi villages. The bishop then heads south to visit the Navajo Eusabio. Eusabio calls Latour “friend,” and offers him a quiet Hogan where he can reflect and watch the river. Latour meditates for three days in […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 7: Chapter 3Summary and Analysis Book 7: Chapter 2
Summary Vaillant departs in midsummer. By December, Latour has succumbed to a crisis of faith and doubt. On one sleepless night, he goes to the church to pray. At first, he shrinks from the cold, but then he covers himself in an old cloak lined with squirrel. In the sacristy […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 7: Chapter 2