| The Virginian | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Unknown |
|
First Appearance |
The Virginian (1902) |
|
Original Publisher |
Macmillan |
|
Created by |
Owen Wister |
Origin[]
The Virginian is a ranch hand at the Sunk Creek Ranch, located outside of Medicine Bow, Wyoming. His friend Steve calls him "Jeff" presumably after Jefferson Davis, but he is always referred to as the Virginian, and no name is mentioned throughout the story.
Physically, the Virginian cuts an imposing figure. He's tall, lean, and possesses the weathered look of someone who has spent his life under the sun and the wind. His strength and physical prowess are undeniable, as evidenced by his skill with a gun and his ability to handle cattle and horses with ease. Yet, it's not just his physical attributes that define him; it's his character.
The Virginian is a man of few words, preferring to let his actions speak for him. He's not one to boast or brag, but when he does speak, his words carry weight. He has a dry wit and a sharp intelligence, often using humor to diffuse tense situations or to make a point. At his core, the Virginian is a man of principle. He lives by a strict code of honor, which includes loyalty to his friends, honesty in his dealings, and a strong sense of justice. Despite his rough exterior and his willingness to resort to violence when necessary, he possesses a quiet dignity and a deep moral compass.
At first, he is only a cowboy, but halfway through the book, he is signed on as the full-time foreman. He is the Judge's most trusted worker. Several times throughout the book, he is offered the chance to run down his enemy, Trampas, behind his back, but each time he refuses the temptation, until Trampas challenges the Virginian to a duel. It is made clear that he will not use his official position as foreman to crush any of his employees.
Despite his stoic demeanor, the Virginian is not without his vulnerabilities. He harbors a deep sense of loneliness and longing for companionship, which is evident in his relationship with Miss Molly Stark Wood, the new schoolteacher of Bear Creek School who captures his heart. Being from the East, she is not used to the wild West, and the Virginian is a perfect gentleman to her. His struggle to reconcile his feelings for Molly with his rugged lifestyle forms a central conflict in the novel, highlighting the tension between the civilized world and the untamed frontier.
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public Domain Literature[]
- The Virginian (1902)
Public Domain Film Appearances[]
- The Virginian (1914)
- The Virginian (1923)
- The Virginian (1929)