Joe at a glance

I have enjoyed up to chapter 5. McGuane has set the seen that no doubt will be the main stage of the novel, it appears to be a beautiful, but not entirely profitable section of Montana frontier. Through the introduction and interaction with the supporting cast we get a good idea of who main character Joe is. We also can catch a glimpse of with whom and how the conflict will play out. Joe's family appears to be well off and upwardly mobile, this seems to be driven solely by his father who is perhaps singularly focused on that movement. Joe is the unfortunate product of that vision. The relationship with his aunt and uncle is cordial at best and he appears to respect the authority of Mr. Overstreet, but only because of Overstreet's position.

I don't like Joe at this point, he is a privileged kid from away who is there for the summer to 'work', but really he is there to spy on the operation. Although he works, and works hard, no one really cares. I respect him for this. Like any young man left to his own devices he sets his attention to Mr. Overstreet's only daughter. He does so with skill and singular drive that appears to have been learned at private school from the older boys. Maybe he steals away with Ellen because of who she, what she is or perhaps that she is the only girl around, I'm not sure. His affections for Ellen do appear earnest, even if those feelings come with an expiration date. I think that I don't like him because it is all coming together for him with what appears to be little effort. Another example of thing just falling into place for those who are lucky enough to be born into privileged society. I am not trying to say that his life is perfect or easy, it just appears to be going in a direction that is working well with little effort. I did enjoy it when he, dutifully, walked over to Billy Keaton and got his lights knocked out just before leaving Montana. I think I liked him a little more at that moment.

J