True Intentions

          In books people seem to view the good and the bad. They do not as often visualize a person as good and bad, but rather good or bad. Readers generalize the characters into different groups. In All The Pretty Horses John Grady as seen as the protagonist and is considered a hero, but is he really. He shows cowardice right from the beginning. Instead of staying with his family in their time of need, he decides to travel to Mexico because he is mad at his mom. Part of this has to do with his young age, but can someone be really called a hero if when times get tough, he packs up and leaves. Yes, he has strong values, but is that what makes a hero? Readers choose to ignore his weaknesses and only remember the amazing things he did. He does not sacrifice himself for Blevins when he is arrested or admit to his flaws, but as readers we overlook that and say well, he did not do that many bad things so he is good. Where as the sheriff for example seems much worse because he killed a man but so does Grady. Readers should acknowledge the good AND the bad so they can judge the book and it's characters fairly.