Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

English

Committee Chair

Theron Britt

Committee Member

Donal Harris

Committee Member

Jeffrey Scraba

Abstract

Abstract: Pankewycz, Nicholas Adam. PhD. The University of Memphis. December 2024. “the letting of blood”: Evolutionary Perspectives on Violence in Cormac McCarthy’s Western Worlds. Theron Britt PhD. Through a close analysis of Cormac McCarthy's Western oeuvre, the dissertation examines how his depiction of violence reflects fundamental aspects of human nature, suggesting that the aggressive behaviors portrayed are inherent and shaped by environmental and evolutionary pressures. McCarthy's unflinching narratives provide insight into the darker facets of humanity, depicting scenes of brutality that challenge readers to confront the pervasive nature of violence in both American history and the human species. By situating McCarthy’s work within the framework of evolutionary sciences, this dissertation aims to enhance understanding of the biological underpinnings of violence, offering new perspectives on McCarthy's portrayal of human nature and addressing contemporary questions regarding the origins and potential remedies for violence in society. The portrayal of violence in Cormac McCarthy's Western novels—Blood Meridian, All the Pretty Horses, The Crossing, and Cities of the Plain—is examined through the lens of evolutionary literary theory. In Blood Meridian, violence serves as a primary means of resource acquisition and fortification, reflecting America's historical campaign to seize land and resources from Indigenous peoples. The protagonist, the Kid, symbolizes the burgeoning nation, while the Judge embodies the inherent violence within human nature. In contrast, All the Pretty Horses presents violence as intertwined with the quest for status. John Grady Cole grapples with his identity amid a socially hostile environment, ultimately succumbing to various status competitions represented by all major antagonists. The Crossing shifts focus to kin selection and reciprocal altruism as Billy Parham navigates a world rife with violence, opting for compassion over aggression. Finally, Cities of the Plain encapsulates McCarthy's exploration of storytelling as a means to understand cultural violence, highlighting the narrative threads that bind human experience. Together, these novels illustrate the multifaceted nature of violence in American identity, offering insights into its evolutionary underpinnings and enduring consequences.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.”

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

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