In a fascinating discussion, Steven Frye, a professor of American literature and author of Understanding Larry McMurtry, explores Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove. He delves into the contrasts between characters Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, embodying the Epicurean and Stoic philosophies. The conversation reveals surprising literary influences, such as Jane Austen and Cervantes, while highlighting themes of friendship and resilience amid loss. Frye emphasizes why the book's poignant ending remains life-affirming, despite its bittersweet nature.
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Historical Inspirations
McMurtry drew inspiration from historical cattlemen like Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving.
Incidents like Woodrow Call carving a sign for Josh Dietz and transporting Gus's body echo real events.
insights INSIGHT
Cervantes Influence
McMurtry's characters in Lonesome Dove, particularly Gus and Call, are based on Cervantes' Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.
This framework provides a foundation for exploring romantic idealism versus pragmatism.
insights INSIGHT
Critique of Western Genre
McMurtry critiques and parodies the Western genre's romanticized view of manifest destiny and its disregard for environmental impact.
Lonesome Dove's initial comic tone shifts to a more nuanced exploration of heroism.
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Steven Frye's 'Understanding Larry McMurtry' provides a detailed analysis of McMurtry's novels, highlighting his exploration of themes such as the mythic and antimythic dichotomy in the American West. The book offers insights into McMurtry's portrayal of character and social realism, emphasizing his unique blend of realistic and romantic storytelling. It is part of the 'Understanding Contemporary American Literature' series.
Dogwood Crossing
Steven Frye
Dogwood Crossing by Steven Frye is a novel that transports readers to the late 18th century, specifically around 1799. It delves into the challenges and joys of life during that era, offering a historical perspective on everyday experiences. The book provides a glimpse into the past, highlighting the complexities of living in a bygone age.
The Road
Tom Stechschulte
Cormac McCarthy
The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth. The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets. The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders. Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope. Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future[2][3][4].
Lonesome Dove
Gene Walden
Lonesome Dove is a classic Western novel that follows the journey of two former Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, as they embark on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The novel is renowned for its vivid descriptions of the American West, its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the decline of the Old West, and its well-developed characters. It is the third book in the Lonesome Dove series and is widely regarded as McMurtry's magnum opus.
If you've been listening to this show or reading the AoM website for awhile, then you likely know what my favorite book of all time is: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.
It's therefore my real pleasure to be able to talk all about that novel today with Steven Frye, professor of American literature and author of Understanding Larry McMurtry. We last had Steve on the show to talk about The Road by Cormac McCarthy. In this episode, we unpack Lonesome Dove, beginning with some background on McMurtry, and the style and themes he explores in his work. From there we turn to Lonesome Dove, and its surprising influences, from Jane Austen to Cervantes. Steve and I explore the characters of Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, how they can represent the archetypes of the Epicurean and the Stoic, and what we can learn from their friendship. We also talk about the complexities of other characters in the novel, and end our conversation with why Lonesome Dove, despite not having a stereotypically happy ending, is such a life-affirming book.
A spoiler alert here: We are going to reveal plenty of plot points in this discussion, so be aware of that if you haven't yet read Lonesome Dove.
The Art of Manliness 
