| SETTING
The novel is set in the 1880's, when the western frontier in America was being shaped. The opening action of The Ox-Bow Incident takes place in Bridger's Wells, Nevada, a little frontier town located in a big valley on the western side of the continental divide. The town was formed to serve the many ranchers in the area, who come into Bridger's Wells to buy supplies, drink at the saloon, play poker and find women. The main street contains a few houses and businesses, including a saloon and a general store. To reach the town, it is necessary to travel down a steep road into the valley. At the end of the road, there are big meadows on both sides, with ranches in the distance. There are also tall mountains around the valley. LIST OF CHARACTERS Major Art Croft - the narrator of the story, who is an intelligent man. He comes to Bridger's Wells, a town on the Western Divide, with his friend, Gil Carter. He desperately wants to be "accepted" by the men in the town. Fearing rejection, he joins the posse even though he is uncertain that it is the correct thing to do. During the novel, he becomes the confessor for several troubled men, including Davies and Sparks. Croft feels he is a failure when he cannot think of what to do in a difficult situation. Gil Carter - Art's friend, who is a simple, but aggressive, cowhand. He has stayed with Art for five years. Although he is a big drinker, he is usually caring and supportive, as seen when he takes care of Art when he is wounded. He is the only member in the posse who has the courage to stop Tetley's actions, but he lets the opportunity pass. Arthur Davies - the owner of the general store in the town. An admirable character who speaks out for justice, he tries hard to stop the posse in the absence of the Sheriff Risley, but does not succeed in preventing the lynching. He is the only member in the posse to confess his guilt. Climax Outcome The story ends in a tragedy. One of the cattle rustlers is shot, and two of them are lynched. Then Gerald Tetley kills himself to keep his word that he will die if a lynching takes place. When Major Tetley hears about the death of his son, he too commits suicide, feeling he is a failure in his attempt to transform his son into a "man." Davies also feels defeated and blames himself for the murders. Art is also wounded in the shoulder, a symbolic punishment for his failure to make the correct decision. THEMES Major The major theme of the novel revolves around the necessity of law and order. The problem in Bridger's Wells begins with a gang of cattle rustlers who steal from the Drew ranch. The lawlessness intensifies when Kinkaid, one of the hands on the Drew ranch, is killed. The men in town assume that the cattle rustlers are guilty. They decide to take law and order into their own hands even though Davies tries to convince them to follow the normal pattern of justice. Ignoring his advice, the men form a posse and go in search of the cattle rustlers. When they are found, three of the rustlers are killed; Martin is shot and the other two are lynched. The townsfolk are then guilty of murder in a situation that has degenerated into total lawlessness and disorder. Minor A minor theme in the novel is the danger of going along with the crowd simply to be accepted by others. Art and Gil, as newcomers to Bridger's Wells, are anxious to be accepted in their new town. When they hear about Kinkaid's murder and the formation of the posse, they join the others, even though they do not believe that it is necessarily the right thing to do. The result of following the crowd instead of their own consciences is that Gil is shot in the shoulder and both men feel uncomfortable and guilty about what has happened.
Summary The novel is narrated by Art Croft from the first person point of view. The book begins as Art and his friend, Gil Carter, cross the Eastern Divide about two o'clock in the afternoon. They pause to look down into the big valley below and excitedly spy the little town that is their destination. Traveling for a long time, often in winter weather, they both look forward to being in civilization once again. Art and Gil start down the steep road into the valley. They notice that it has been washed clean by the run-off from the winter storms. They also notice bits of brush beginning to grow again, signaling the start of spring. The squirrels and chipmunks have also emerged from their winter hibernation and are scurrying to and fro. Art and Gil have been traveling together for five years. Totally comfortable in each other's company, they do not feel the need to fill their time with idle chatter; silence does not bother them. As they ride into the valley, all is quiet. They finally reach Bridger's Wells, the little town spied from above, at about three o'clock. Bridger's Valley is a typical Western frontier town. There is a wooden church with peeling paint. Most of the houses and other buildings, usually made of wood, have been left unpainted. Only a few structures are constructed of brick. Since Art and Gil have visited here before, they recognize Arthur Davies' general store, Canby's saloon, the Bridger Inn, and the Union Church. They also know that there are ranches to the north and south of town. Art and Gil immediately head to Canby's saloon, the local gathering place. Passing the Bridger Inn on the way, they note that there are a few horses tied out front. They also spy the town bum, Monte Smith; he is the only man on the street. As they enter into the dark, cool bar, Art and Gil notice the strong smell of stale beer and tobacco. They also see that there are still four green- covered tables on one side of the bar, and the same pictures hang on the walls, including the oil painting called "Woman with Parrot" that Canby calls "The Bitching Hour." Gil comments on the picture, saying that he feels sorry for the man who always seems to approach the woman with the parrot, but is never able to reach her. Canby says he like the man in the picture. Canby asks Gil and Art what they will have to drink, but Gil answers that he has not yet decided. Canby grumpily responds that he does not like men who cannot make up their minds. When he suggests whisky to them, Art and Gil both order a drink. They note that it is the first drop of whisky that they have had since Christmas. It is also the first time that they have been in Bridger's Wells since the fall. Art tells Canby that in the interim, he and Art have been traveling over the range. He has had to listen to Gil sing the same three songs and tell the same stories about women and himself. He admits that the two of them have fought often during the winter, for Gil is aggressive by nature and does not take criticism well. As the three men talk, Monte Smith enters. Art and Gil ignore him, but Art pays for him a drink, which he takes and then goes off. Art asks Canby about Rose Mapen, Gil's girlfriend in town. Canby tells them that the married women have driven her out of town, which makes Gil feel bad. He asks Canby what he and Art can do to entertain themselves in Bridger's Wells. He answers that they can eat, sleep, drink, play poker, or fight. As the three continue their conversation, the foreman from Drew's ranch enters and orders a drink. Canby asks him about Sheriff Risley and the cattle rustlers, but it is obvious that Moore does not want to discuss anything in front of the two strangers. Gil continues to order whiskies and gets a little drunk. Canby offers him and Art some hard bread and dried beef. At first Gil refuses the food, but later eats without pretense. As more people come into the bar, Art notices that there is "a difference underneath." The mood is more solemn and serious; no one laughs or cracks a joke. Canby explains to Art and Gil that the people in and around Bridger's Wells have been troubled for awhile by cattle rustling, and a huge number of cattle have been lost. Still uncomfortable with the conversation, Moore invites Art and Gil, to play a game of poker with him. As they play, more townsfolk enter the bar. Davies, the owner of the general store, comes in with his clerk, Joyce. The minister (Osgood), an old rancher (Bartlett), and another hand from Drew's ranch (Farnley) also enter the bar. Moore asks them all to watch the poker game. Even though Gil is winning, Art is concerned because his friend is drunk
and does not take his success "right." After Gil wins two more
rounds, Farnley suggests a game of "double draw." Gil says that
it is a game for old ladies, but he agrees to play even though he is irritated
by Farnley's interference. Gil continues to win in the new game, stacking
his money on the table. Farnley is obviously irritated and hints that
perhaps Gil is a cattle rustler. Gil, losing all patience, hits Farnley
hard, banging his head against the sill. Canby tops the fight by hitting
Gil with a bottle, causing him to fall down. Art puts Gil's money in a
sack and waits for his friend to regain consciousness. When he is back
to himself, Gil decides to give Farnley his money back, saying he has
not won the last pot fairly. He takes out ten dollars for Farnley. Art and Gil leave Canby's saloon. Art says he wants to be accepted by the men in Bridger's Wells, but he knows that they do not trust him and Gil. Gil admits that he would also like to be accepted. Chapter II (2) Summary The second part of the novel begins as the posse is forming to search for the murderers. Farnley is particularly excited and in a hurry. He climbs onto his horse and starts to leave by himself, but Davies stops him. He explains to Farnley that the posse does not know how many rustlers there are, which way they have gone, or how much ahead they have traveled. Osgood, the Baptist minister, comes forward and says that the posse should not be formed without the sheriff. Gil calls Osgood "gran'ma" and says that he should save his preaching until later. Osgood ignores Gil and tells everyone that they must act in a proper and legitimate manner, not as a lawless mob seeking blood instead of justice. No one seems to pay attention to Osgood's words. Canby suggests that Sheriff Risley be summoned, and Osgood advises them to get Judge Tyler as well. The men shout that they do not want Judge Tyler. Bartlett says that if they wait for the judge, not even one head of cattle will be left by the time he dispenses his slow form of justice. He adds that he will send for his own sons, Carl and Nate, to help in catching the rustlers. Bartlett's words excite all the men, and they shout that they are ready to act together. Osgood tries to calm the crowd and stop the men, but Gil interrupts him. The minister then appeals to Davies, who states that Osgood is right. Then Davies is ridiculed for his support of Osgood. Canby, who has been watching everything, says that the men are wasting their time in arguments. Greene, the young man who announced the murder of Kinkaid, reminds the
posse that the rustlers have guns; therefore, the men all head home to
get their own guns. Since Gil and Art are already armed, they stay behind
and converse with each other. Gil remembers the hanging of three men by
an official posse when he was staying with an old woman in Montana one
winter. It makes him feel sad to remember that one of the men was young
and scared of dying; he kept crying and telling the men that he had not
shot the stagecoach driver, the crime for which he was hanged. Art reminds
his friend that they are outsiders and should not get too involved in
this posse. As they talk, they see someone coming. It is Bill Winder,
who drives the stage between Reno and Bridger's Wells. Gabe Hart, his
hostler, is with him; he is a very strong man who loves horses and mules
and who supports Winder in everything. Sensing Art's uncertainty, Davies asks him to go and get the judge and the sheriff. He explains that Sheriff Risley has made Mapes, who is called Butch, his deputy; but Mapes is not a wise man and should not lead the posse. While they are talking, Smith comes in with two guns and a coil of rope. He makes hanging motions with the rope and teases Davies by asking him to stay home and rest for the funeral of the rustlers. He also ridicules Osgood. Art departs, and Gil joins him, asking where he is going. Art says that Davies is right and that he is going to get Risley and Tyler. Gil refuses to go with him. As Joyce and Art head to Judge Tyler's place, they discuss whether the posse will ever leave and question who can be its leader. Moore seems to be the only logical choice, but he is not ready to accept this position. Arriving at the judge's house, they realize it is a new three-story structure, which looks too high and narrow. There is a fancy, metal pull bell beside the front door. When Art yanks it, a tall large-boned woman comes out. Joyce tells her that Mr. Davies has sent them, and she instructs them to wait outside. Joyce explains that she is Mrs. Larch, Judge Tyler's housekeeper, who has served him since his wife died. When she returns, the two men are asked inside, where they find Mapes. Art and Joyce ask the judge to talk with them alone, but Mapes insists that he should be included in the conversation since he is the deputy. Art and Joyce refuse for Mapes to be included. When Mapes finally leaves, Joyce tells Judge Tyler about everything that is happening. He explains that Davies and Osgood want a legal posse to be sworn in, but no one is listening to them. Joyce suggests that the judge come at once. While they are talking, Art sees that a rider yells something to Mapes on the porch. Mapes, having just learned of Kinkaid's murder, comes inside, ready to legalize the posse. The judge says that only Sheriff Risley has the power to form a legal posse. He says that he will come and explain this to the gathered men. Art and Joyce go out. On the way back, they notice that there is now an excitement throughout the whole village. The women seem to be as stirred up as the men. One woman, however, asks Art to send her son, Tommy, back home. An old man asks when the posse is leaving; when Art tells him that there is no great rush since the rustlers already have a four hour head start, the old man ridicules them for not leaving already. The posse is waiting for the return of Bartlett and his sons, while Davies
waits for the arrival of the judge. Smith comes forward to ridicule Sparks,
the black handyman in the village. He tells him that he should come with
the posse, for a hanging does not happen everyday. Sparks says that he
will go only if Mr. Osgood goes. The minister, however, says he will not
go, for it is an illegal procedure. Smith then turns his ridicule on Osgood.
Then Sparks decides to go, saying there should be someone in the group
who feels like Mr. Osgood. Davies again tries to reason with the crowd. He even offers drinks to the men if they will change their minds. Smith mocks Davies by saying that he only thinks in terms of money. Since it is growing late and a storm seems to be approaching with a damp, chilly wind, Davies suggests that they spend the night in town. Canby, Ma Grier, and Davies all offer the men rooms for sleeping. Farnley still wants to set off, even if he is alone. Judge Tyler tries to convince him that the law will take care of Kinkaid's murder. Davies adds that Risley is a good sheriff and is sure to catch the murderer. An angry Farnley knocks Davies hands off his knee and begins to run around. Just then Tetley appears with military rigidity, wearing his old Confederate coat. With him are Nate Bartlett, Tetley's weak son named Gerald, and his handyman named Amigo. Clark makes it clear that Tetley does not like his effeminate son. He forces him to join the posse in hopes of making him into a man. Filled with pride and self-assurance, Tetley displays power and commands respect. When he speaks, men listen. He tells the men that Amigo has seen the rustlers leave through the pass from the south end of the village about four hours earlier. Amigo adds that there were three men driving about forty head of stolen cattle. Forgetting about spending the night in town, the men are again anxious to leave and catch the rustlers. Davies says that the posse should wait for the sheriff. He also warns against talk of lynchings, for the rustlers should be brought in for a fair trial. Judge Tyler reminds them that the present posse is illegal. Tetley, however, promises that he will demand order and justice from the posse. He then turns to Mapes and asks him to deputize the posse. Mapes agrees even though the judge reminds him that it is not legal for a deputy to form a posse. After Mapes recites a garbled form of an oath, the posse rides off. A shouting Tyler warns Tetley to bring the rustlers back alive or everyone will have to pay for their murders. Davies runs after the posse, trying to stop them one last time. Finally, he stands with Osgood and watches the men departing, including Art and Gil. Chapter III As the posse rides towards the pass, they discuss justifications for killing the rustlers, but their feelings of fear and concern over what they are doing prevail over these concerns. The narrator has a disturbing conversation with Tetley's son, Gerald, about the immorality of punishing the criminals without a fair trial. The narrator's concern is that what they are doing is wrong, but at the same time, he can't overcome his desire to stay with the posse. As nightfall approaches, the riders approach Ox-Bow Valley. It begins to snow. The narrator, Croft, is wounded accidentally when he is shot by riders in a wagon heading through the pass. Chapter IV (4) The posse continues through the pass and finds three suspects who fit
the description of the killers and rustlers. The posse ties up the suspects,
Martin, the Mex, and Old Hardwick. Tetley interrogates them. Martin insists
that they did not commit the crimes and insists on a fair trial so that
justice be served. Mr. Davies is convinced of their innocence and attempts
to defend them. Chapter 5 (V) Summary
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