True Grit

In the novel True Grit by Charles Portis many characters earn redemption from previously regrettable actions or character flaws. This is a recurring motif within the story, and it shows a sense of realism amongst the characters. Portis uses characters such as Rooster Cogburn, LaBoeuf, and Mattie Ross’s horse Little Blackie to show that people aren't always who they appear to be and are susceptible to change. We first hear of Rooster Cogburn from the sheriff when Mattie asks about the U.S. marshals. The sheriff says “The meanest one is Rooster Cogburn. He is a pitiless man, double-tough, and fear don't enter into his thinking. He loves to pull a cork.” (Portis 25). Maddie sets high expectations for Rooster after hearing this; however, he lets her down constantly after she discovers he is a dumb, fat, one-eyed drunk, and a bad shot. Rooster later tries to desert Mattie twice and he also leads them right into the smugglers den with Tom Chaney and Lucky Ned Pepper. However, Rooster makes up for his shortcomings when he saves Mattie’s life at the end of the book. She is stuck in a pit with poisonous snakes and bats while an undead Tom Chaney leans in to taunt her. Rooster comes from behind and knocks him hard into the pit with his rifle. Rooster then escorts Mattie to the nearest doctor, getting her there as quickly as possible. Without Rooster, she would’ve been killed and his heroic actions, which go against everything we knew about him, earn his redemption in Mattie's eyes. Another notable character who redeems himself is Little Blackie. Blackie is a cheap horse who is about to be sold, killed and used to make soap. Mattie buys him for five dollars more than he’s worth and trains him to be ridden. The horse then spends the entirety of the novel proving his worth. First, Blackie carries Mattie across a large river into Indian Territory showing

that he isn’t afraid. He then keeps up with Rooster and LaBoeuf, who is riding his five hundred dollar stallion, which shows he won't give up. Lastly, when Mattie is stuck in the snake pit, he pulls her and Rooster out. Blackie then rides them as fast as he can for miles towards the closest doctor. He eventually can’t go on and he dies, which only adds to his value. Blackie played a key role in saving Mattie’s life and continuously proves that he is worth more than anybody could’ve thought. Blackie, though he died, redeems himself in that he is much more important than the fifteen dollars spent on him. Lastly, in this story of redemption, we have LaBoeuf. The reader first sees LaBoeuf when he comes to find Mattie in the bed and breakfast she is staying at. He is a well dressed, handsome man and Mattie finds him attractive. This is however before he opens his mouth. LaBoeuf wishes to hunt Tom Chaney and bring him to Texas. She fights this because she wants Chaney hanged for killing her father. Enraged he says “A little earlier tonight I gave some thought to stealing a kiss from you, although you are very young, and sick, and unattractive to boot. But now I am of a mind to give you five or six good licks with my belt.” (76). This shows how unstable LaBoeuf really is and later he does go on to beat her. Among his attitude problem, LaBoeuf also brags about being a Texas ranger. He is cocky about his shot, although he doesn't prove it, and he says he has the best horse and gun money can buy. LaBoeuf also lets Mattie and Rooster down by falling asleep while they’re about to ambush Chaney. He suddenly wakes up and starts shooting at the criminals, giving away their hiding place. In a way he has more to prove than the others. He does however make up for his flaws by saving rooster when he is about to get shot and tying a rope around blackie to pull Mattie from the hole. LaBoeuf may have caused a struggle for Mattie; but in the end he redeems himself and becomes another valuable asset to her and her mission to avenge her father's death. These are all examples of characters redeeming themselves throughout the novel. Portis shows the reader the true nature of the human race; you don’t always get what you want or expect out of somebody. The person you least expect can do something extraordinary, yet they can also ruin everything with one small action. This is showcased frequently in True Grit and is captured perfectly. No matter if it is real or fiction, some people might just surprise you.