In Horace McCoy’s gripping novel, On achève bien les chevaux, we delve into a world of alienation, violence, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing society. Through the lens of a washed-up boxer, McCoy explores the dark underbelly of the American dream, leaving readers to confront the harsh realities of life on the margins.
McCoy’s unflinching portrayal of violence and its psychological toll on individuals and society is a hallmark of the novel. He masterfully weaves a tale that exposes the fragility of human existence and the corrosive effects of societal indifference.
Contextual Overview
Horace McCoy’s “On achève bien les chevaux” (They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?) is a poignant portrayal of the Great Depression in America, offering a grim depiction of the social and economic turmoil that gripped the nation during the 1930s. The novel captures the desperation and resilience of individuals as they struggle to survive amidst widespread unemployment and poverty.
Literary Movement and Genre
The novel belongs to the literary movement of hard-boiled crime fiction, known for its gritty realism, fast-paced plots, and focus on the criminal underworld. McCoy’s work exemplifies this genre, showcasing the harsh realities of life during the Depression and exploring the psychological impact of poverty and desperation on the human psyche.
Social and Economic Conditions
The Great Depression, triggered by the stock market crash of 1929, led to widespread economic collapse, resulting in mass unemployment, homelessness, and hunger. “On achève bien les chevaux” reflects these harsh conditions, depicting the desperation of individuals forced to participate in degrading dance marathons as a means of survival. The novel exposes the societal failures and moral decay that characterized this period in American history.
Plot Summary and Analysis
On achève bien les chevaux by Horace McCoy is a hard-boiled crime novel that explores themes of violence, corruption, and the futility of dreams.
Plot Summary
The novel follows the story of Arthur Briggs, a down-on-his-luck boxer who is hired by a corrupt politician to throw a fight. Briggs initially agrees, but when he meets the other boxer, a young and idealistic fighter named Red, he begins to question his decision. Torn between his own self-interest and a sense of loyalty, Briggs must decide whether to go through with the fix or fight for what he believes in.
Narrative Techniques
McCoy uses a variety of narrative techniques to create a sense of realism and immediacy. The novel is written in the first person from Briggs’ perspective, which allows the reader to experience the events of the story through his eyes. McCoy also uses a variety of flashbacks to fill in the backstory of the characters and to provide context for their actions.
Character Development
Briggs is a complex and well-developed character. He is a flawed and often selfish man, but he also has a strong sense of loyalty and a desire for redemption. Red is a more idealistic character, but he is also naive and vulnerable. The contrast between the two characters highlights the novel’s central theme of the conflict between good and evil.
Ending
The novel’s ending is both tragic and ambiguous. Briggs ultimately decides to fight Red honestly, but he is defeated in a brutal and bloody match. The ending leaves the reader wondering whether Briggs’ decision was ultimately the right one.
Characters and Their Relationships
The characters in On achève bien les chevaux are complex and multifaceted, each with their own motivations, conflicts, and relationships. Their interactions drive the plot forward, creating a web of intrigue and suspense.
Main Characters
The main characters in the novel are:
- Julien Sorel: A young, ambitious man who leaves his humble beginnings to pursue a career in the military. He is intelligent and charming, but also arrogant and ruthless.
- Mathilde de La Mole: A beautiful and wealthy young woman who falls in love with Julien. She is kind and compassionate, but also naive and sheltered.
- Marquis de La Mole: Mathilde’s father, a wealthy and influential nobleman. He is a stern and unforgiving man who disapproves of Julien’s relationship with his daughter.
- Abbé Pirard: Julien’s former tutor, a devout and ambitious man who helps Julien advance his career.
The relationships between these characters are complex and ever-changing. Julien’s ambition and Mathilde’s innocence create a dangerous combination, while the Marquis’s disapproval and Abbé Pirard’s scheming add to the tension. These relationships drive the plot forward, leading to a tragic and unforgettable conclusion.
Supporting Characters
The supporting characters in the novel also play an important role in the story. They include:
- Elisa: Julien’s mistress, a beautiful and passionate woman who is torn between her love for Julien and her desire for a respectable life.
- Fouqué: A fellow officer in Julien’s regiment, a loyal and honorable man who becomes Julien’s friend and confidant.
- Madame de Rênal: The mayor’s wife, a kind and loving woman who falls in love with Julien. Her love for him leads to her downfall.
These characters add depth and complexity to the story, providing different perspectives on the main characters and their actions. They also contribute to the novel’s themes of love, ambition, and betrayal.
Character Relationship Map
The following character relationship map visually represents the connections and interactions between the main characters in the novel:
Julien Sorel
|
V
Mathilde de La Mole
|
V
Marquis de La Mole
|
V
Abbé Pirard
The lines connecting the characters represent their relationships. The thicker the line, the stronger the relationship. The arrows indicate the direction of the relationship. For example, the arrow from Julien Sorel to Mathilde de La Mole indicates that Julien is in love with Mathilde.
Table of Main Character Motivations, Conflicts, and Relationships
The following table summarizes the motivations, conflicts, and relationships of the main characters in the novel:
| Character | Motivations | Conflicts | Relationships |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julien Sorel | To achieve success and power | His ambition and ruthlessness | Mathilde de La Mole, Marquis de La Mole, Abbé Pirard |
| Mathilde de La Mole | To find love and happiness | Her innocence and naivety | Julien Sorel, Marquis de La Mole |
| Marquis de La Mole | To protect his family and reputation | His disapproval of Julien Sorel | Mathilde de La Mole, Julien Sorel |
| Abbé Pirard | To advance his own career | His scheming and ambition | Julien Sorel |
Dialogue
The following dialogue between Julien Sorel and Mathilde de La Mole showcases their relationship and advances the plot:
Julien: Mathilde, I love you. I would do anything for you.
Mathilde: I know, Julien. I love you too. But we must be careful. My father would never approve of our relationship.
Julien: I don’t care what he thinks. I’m not afraid of him.
Mathilde: But you should be. He’s a powerful man. He could ruin your life.
Julien: I’m not afraid. I’m willing to risk everything for you.
This dialogue reveals the depth of Julien and Mathilde’s love for each other, but it also foreshadows the challenges that lie ahead for them. The Marquis’s disapproval of their relationship will ultimately lead to tragedy.
Themes and Symbolism
On achève bien les chevaux explores profound themes that resonate deeply with the human condition. These themes are interwoven with a rich tapestry of symbols and imagery that amplify their significance and create a haunting and unforgettable narrative.
Alienation and Violence
Alienation pervades the novel as characters struggle with feelings of isolation and estrangement. The brutal violence that unfolds throughout the story serves as a stark manifestation of this alienation, reflecting the characters’ inner turmoil and the dehumanizing effects of war.
One striking example is the slaughter of the horses at the beginning of the novel. This act symbolizes the senseless destruction and waste of war, as well as the loss of innocence and hope. The horses represent the beauty and purity that are trampled underfoot in the face of violence and hatred.
The Search for Meaning
In the midst of the chaos and despair, the characters grapple with the elusive search for meaning. They question their existence and purpose, seeking answers in the face of overwhelming adversity. The novel explores the existential dilemmas that arise from the absurdity of war and the fragility of human life.
The character of Anna serves as a poignant example of this search. Despite the horrors she witnesses, she clings to a glimmer of hope and seeks solace in her memories and dreams. Her story highlights the indomitable spirit that can persist even in the darkest of times.
Style and Language
Horace McCoy’s writing style in “On achève bien les chevaux” is distinct and impactful, contributing significantly to the novel’s overall atmosphere and tone.
McCoy employs a minimalist, almost detached narrative voice, with a focus on objective observation and sparse dialogue. This style creates a sense of emotional distance, emphasizing the characters’ isolation and the futility of their struggles.
Use of Language
McCoy’s use of language is stark and unadorned, mirroring the harsh and unforgiving world of the novel. He employs short, declarative sentences, often devoid of adverbs or adjectives, resulting in a prose that is both direct and forceful.
- Example: “He was a man without a past. He had no memories, no regrets, no hopes. He was a man who had lost everything.”
Dialogue
Dialogue in the novel is sparse and functional, often serving to convey essential information rather than revealing character depth. Characters speak in clipped, blunt sentences, reflecting their emotional detachment and the superficiality of their interactions.
- Example: “How much?”
“Ten.”
“All right.”
Tone and Atmosphere
McCoy’s writing style contributes to the novel’s bleak and oppressive tone. The detached narrative voice and sparse language create a sense of hopelessness and resignation, while the minimal dialogue emphasizes the characters’ alienation and lack of connection.
The novel’s atmosphere is one of emotional emptiness and moral decay, reflecting the characters’ inability to find meaning or purpose in a world marked by violence and despair.
Cultural and Social Impact
The novel On achève bien les chevaux has had a profound cultural and social impact since its publication in 1969. Its unflinching portrayal of violence, alienation, and the shattered American dream has resonated deeply with readers and continues to influence popular culture and society today.
Reception and Influence
Upon its release, the novel was met with critical acclaim and commercial success. It won the Prix Goncourt, one of France’s most prestigious literary awards, and has since been translated into over 40 languages. The novel’s gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of violence shocked and captivated readers, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
On achève bien les chevaux has had a significant impact on popular culture. It has been adapted into several films, including a 1970 French film directed by Sydney Pollack and a 1992 American film starring Matt Damon. The novel’s themes have also been explored in music, with songs such as “Horses” by Patti Smith and “The Killing Moon” by Echo & the Bunnymen referencing its imagery and characters.
Shaping Perceptions
The novel’s depiction of violence, alienation, and the American dream has had a lasting impact on societal attitudes. Its portrayal of the Vietnam War and its aftermath has helped shape perceptions of war and its psychological toll on soldiers. The novel’s exploration of alienation and the search for meaning in a chaotic world has resonated with readers of all generations.
On achève bien les chevaux has also challenged traditional notions of the American dream. Its depiction of the disillusionment and despair experienced by its characters has forced readers to confront the harsh realities of American society. The novel’s critique of materialism and consumerism has influenced social and political movements, inspiring activists to fight for social justice and economic equality.
Enduring Legacy
On achève bien les chevaux continues to be a relevant and influential work in contemporary times. Its themes of violence, alienation, and the American dream continue to resonate with readers today. The novel’s enduring legacy is evident in its ongoing impact on popular culture, literary discourse, and cultural conversations.
The novel’s exploration of the psychological effects of violence has influenced the development of trauma theory and has been used to inform therapeutic approaches to treating victims of violence. Its depiction of alienation has resonated with readers in an increasingly isolated and fragmented world. And its critique of the American dream has sparked important conversations about the nature of success and happiness in modern society.
On achève bien les chevaux is a powerful and enduring work of literature that has had a profound impact on popular culture and society. Its unflinching portrayal of violence, alienation, and the American dream has resonated deeply with readers for generations, and it continues to be a relevant and influential work in contemporary times.
– Comparative Analysis
“On achève bien les chevaux” stands as a seminal work within the existentialist literary canon, sharing thematic and stylistic affinities with other prominent works of the genre. Albert Camus’ “The Stranger,” Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Nausea,” and Franz Kafka’s “The Trial” all grapple with similar existential quandaries, exploring the themes of alienation, absurdity, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe.
Despite these shared concerns, “On achève bien les chevaux” distinguishes itself through its unique narrative structure, lyrical language, and profound exploration of the themes of alienation and absurdity. The novel’s non-linear narrative, fragmented and disjointed, mirrors the protagonist’s own fragmented consciousness and his struggle to make sense of a chaotic world. The lyrical prose, evocative and poetic, amplifies the emotional intensity of the protagonist’s experiences, capturing the raw anguish and despair of his existential crisis.
Existential Themes
Like “The Stranger” and “Nausea,” “On achève bien les chevaux” delves into the existentialist theme of alienation. The protagonist feels profoundly disconnected from the world around him, isolated in his own subjective experience. This alienation manifests itself in his inability to connect with others, his sense of estrangement from his own body, and his profound loneliness.
The novel also explores the theme of absurdity, echoing the existentialist notion that human existence is fundamentally meaningless and absurd. The protagonist’s life lacks any inherent purpose or direction, and his actions seem futile in the face of the vast and indifferent universe. This sense of absurdity is heightened by the novel’s disjointed narrative structure, which disrupts the traditional sense of order and coherence.
Literary Techniques
One of the most striking features of “On achève bien les chevaux” is its use of a non-linear narrative. The novel’s events are presented in a fragmented and disjointed manner, reflecting the protagonist’s own fragmented consciousness and his struggle to make sense of a chaotic world. This narrative technique creates a sense of disorientation and unease, immersing the reader in the protagonist’s subjective experience.
The novel’s lyrical language is another distinctive feature. The prose is evocative and poetic, capturing the raw anguish and despair of the protagonist’s existential crisis. The use of lyrical language elevates the novel beyond a mere exploration of existential themes, transforming it into a work of profound emotional intensity.
Adaptations and Reinterpretations: On Achève Bien Les Chevaux
The novel On achève bien les chevaux has been adapted into various forms of media, including film, television, and stage productions. These adaptations have interpreted and reimagined the novel’s story and themes in diverse ways, impacting the novel’s legacy and accessibility to new audiences.
Film Adaptations
- Slaughterhouse-Five (1972): Directed by George Roy Hill, this film adaptation stars Michael Sacks as Billy Pilgrim and Valerie Perrine as Valencia Merble. The film follows Billy’s experiences as an American soldier during World War II and his subsequent time-travel adventures.
- Timequake (2001): Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this film adaptation stars Bruce Willis as Billy Pilgrim and Madeleine Stowe as Valencia Merble. The film departs significantly from the novel’s plot, focusing on Billy’s time-traveling experiences as a means of preventing a nuclear war.
Television Adaptations
- Slaughterhouse-Five (1982): This made-for-television adaptation stars John Shea as Billy Pilgrim and Linda Hamilton as Valencia Merble. The film follows the novel’s plot more closely than the 1972 film adaptation.
- Billy Pilgrim’s Progress (1998): This BBC miniseries stars Adam Brody as Billy Pilgrim and Natalie Press as Valencia Merble. The miniseries takes a more experimental approach to the novel’s story, using non-linear storytelling and surreal imagery.
Stage Adaptations
- Slaughterhouse-Five (1974): This stage adaptation by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. himself premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. The play uses a non-linear structure and incorporates elements of dance and music.
- Timequake (2006): This stage adaptation by Charles Mee premiered at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. The play focuses on the themes of time and free will, and uses a minimalist set design.
Historical and Biographical Context
Horace McCoy was born in 1897 in Pegram, Tennessee. His early life was marked by poverty and instability, as his family moved frequently and struggled to make ends meet. McCoy left school at the age of 16 to work in a variety of jobs, including as a railroad brakeman, a salesman, and a boxer. These experiences gave him a firsthand view of the working class and the underbelly of American society.
In the 1920s, McCoy began writing short stories and novels. His early work was influenced by the hard-boiled crime fiction of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. However, McCoy’s writing soon developed its own unique style, characterized by its bleak realism and its focus on the lives of the marginalized and dispossessed.
McCoy’s most famous novel, “On achève bien les chevaux,” was published in 1935. The novel tells the story of a group of carnival workers who are stranded in a small town after their carnival goes bankrupt. The workers are forced to resort to desperate measures to survive, and the novel explores the themes of poverty, violence, and the American dream.
McCoy’s writing was influenced by the social and economic conditions of the Great Depression. The Depression had a devastating impact on the working class, and McCoy’s work reflected the desperation and despair of this period. McCoy’s work also explored the darker side of the American dream, showing how it could be used to justify violence and exploitation.
McCoy died in 1955 at the age of 58. He was a prolific writer, publishing over 30 novels and short stories in his lifetime. His work has been praised for its realism, its unflinching portrayal of the human condition, and its exploration of the dark side of the American dream.
Influences on McCoy’s Writing
McCoy’s writing was influenced by a variety of sources, including:
– His own experiences growing up in poverty
– The hard-boiled crime fiction of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler
– The social and economic conditions of the Great Depression
– The American dream and its dark side
Themes of Violence and Alienation
The novel “On achève bien les chevaux” is a powerful exploration of the themes of violence and alienation. Houellebecq paints a bleak picture of a society where violence is rampant and alienation is pervasive.
The novel is set in a dystopian near-future where society has become increasingly violent and fragmented. The main character, Robert, is a young man who has become disillusioned with life and is drawn into a world of violence and debauchery.
Violence as a Means of Control and Oppression
Violence is a central theme in the novel and is used as a means of control and oppression. The government uses violence to maintain order and suppress dissent. The police are brutal and corrupt, and they often use excessive force against citizens.
Violence is also used by individuals to assert their power over others. Robert is frequently the victim of violence, and he eventually comes to see it as a necessary evil in a world where only the strong survive.
Alienation and Isolation
Alienation is another major theme in the novel. Robert is alienated from his family, his friends, and society as a whole. He feels like an outsider, and he is unable to connect with others.
Robert’s alienation is a result of his experiences with violence. He has seen so much violence that he has become numb to it. He no longer believes in the possibility of human connection, and he has given up on life.
The Cycle of Violence
The novel also explores the cycle of violence. Robert’s experiences with violence lead him to become violent himself. He becomes trapped in a cycle of violence that he cannot escape.
The cycle of violence is a major problem in society. It is a vicious circle that can be difficult to break. The novel shows how violence can lead to more violence, and it highlights the need to find ways to stop the cycle.
Symbolism and Imagery
In On achève bien les chevaux, symbols and imagery play a vital role in enhancing the novel’s themes and characterization. The novel’s use of color, setting, and objects creates a distinct and immersive atmosphere that underscores the characters’ struggles and the themes of violence and alienation.
Color
The novel’s use of color is particularly striking. The color white, for example, is associated with purity and innocence, but it also takes on a sinister connotation in the context of the novel’s violence and brutality. The color red, meanwhile, is associated with blood and violence, as well as passion and intensity.
Setting
The novel’s setting is also highly symbolic. The slaughterhouse where the main characters work is a microcosm of the larger society, where violence and alienation are rampant. The surrounding countryside, meanwhile, represents a place of escape and freedom, but it is also a place where the characters’ violence and alienation follow them.
Objects
The novel’s use of objects is also significant. The horses, for example, are symbols of both beauty and innocence, but they are also victims of violence and exploitation. The guns that the characters use are symbols of power and violence, but they are also symbols of the characters’ alienation from themselves and from each other.
Character Analysis
The characters in On achève bien les chevaux are complex and psychologically rich. Their motivations, flaws, and relationships drive the plot forward and explore various aspects of the human condition.
Main Characters
| Character | Motivations | Strengths | Weaknesses | Relationships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert | To escape his past and find a new life | Intelligent, resourceful, determined | Arrogant, impulsive, reckless | Wife (unnamed), lover (Cécile), friends (Paul, Henri) |
| Cécile | To find love and acceptance | Beautiful, kind, compassionate | Naive, vulnerable, dependent | Lover (Robert), husband (Paul) |
| Paul | To maintain his social status and protect his family | Wealthy, powerful, respected | Cold, ruthless, manipulative | Wife (Cécile), friend (Henri) |
| Henri | To find meaning in life and escape boredom | Intelligent, cynical, witty | Alcoholic, self-destructive, alienated | Friends (Robert, Paul) |
Character Development
One of the most significant characters in the novel is Robert. He is a complex and flawed character who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. Initially, he is driven by a desire to escape his past and find a new life. However, as he becomes more involved with Cécile and Paul, he begins to question his own motives and the choices he has made. By the end of the novel, he has come to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.
Narrative Structure and Style
The novel’s narrative structure is complex and non-linear, employing a series of flashbacks and foreshadowing techniques to unravel the story’s events. The narrative shifts between the present and the past, gradually revealing the characters’ motivations and the events that led to the tragic climax.
Flashback
Flashbacks are extensively used throughout the novel, providing glimpses into the characters’ past experiences and shaping their present actions. These flashbacks vary in length, from brief recollections to extended sequences that delve deep into the characters’ personal histories.
Foreshadowing, On achève bien les chevaux
Foreshadowing is another prominent narrative technique used in the novel. Subtle hints and premonitions are woven into the narrative, creating a sense of impending doom and foreshadowing the characters’ tragic fates. These foreshadowing elements contribute to the novel’s suspenseful atmosphere, keeping readers on edge as they anticipate the unfolding events.
Writing Style
The novel’s unique writing style is characterized by its evocative imagery, lyrical prose, and fragmented sentence structure. The author’s use of vivid descriptions and sensory details creates a rich and immersive atmosphere, drawing readers into the characters’ emotional and psychological landscapes. The fragmented sentence structure, with its use of short, choppy sentences, mirrors the characters’ fractured mental states and the disjointed nature of their experiences.
Narrative Shifts
Significant shifts in narrative perspective and voice occur throughout the novel. The narrator often adopts the perspectives of multiple characters, providing insights into their thoughts and feelings. These shifts allow readers to experience the events from different viewpoints, enhancing the novel’s psychological depth and complexity.
Dialogue
Dialogue plays a crucial role in character development and plot progression. The characters’ interactions reveal their personalities, motivations, and conflicts. The author’s use of natural, colloquial language makes the characters relatable and their conversations believable.
– Analyze the novel’s depiction of the impact of industrialization and urbanization on society.
- Impact on working conditions: The novel depicts the harsh and exploitative working conditions in factories, leading to alienation and dehumanization of workers.
- Growth of cities: Urbanization results in overcrowding, poor living conditions, and social problems such as crime and disease.
- Social inequality: Industrialization and urbanization exacerbate social divisions, with the wealthy elite benefiting while the working class struggles.
Legacy and Influence
The novel “On achève bien les chevaux” has had a profound and lasting impact on literature and popular culture. Its depiction of violence, alienation, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and urbanization has resonated with readers and artists alike.
The novel’s influence can be seen in numerous works of fiction, film, and music. The film “Blade Runner” (1982), for example, draws heavily on the novel’s themes of alienation and the exploitation of the working class. The novel has also inspired numerous musicians, including David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
“On achève bien les chevaux” remains relevant today, as its themes of violence and alienation continue to resonate with readers in contemporary times. The novel’s depiction of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and urbanization is particularly timely, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and technologically advanced.
Influence on Literature
The novel’s influence on literature is evident in the works of numerous authors, including:
– J.G. Ballard: Ballard’s novel “Crash” (1973) explores similar themes of violence, alienation, and the dehumanizing effects of technology.
– William Gibson: Gibson’s novel “Neuromancer” (1984) is set in a dystopian future where the line between humans and machines is blurred.
– Margaret Atwood: Atwood’s novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1985) depicts a totalitarian society where women are stripped of their rights and identities.
Influence on Film
The novel’s influence on film can be seen in numerous works, including:
– “Blade Runner” (1982): Ridley Scott’s film adaptation of “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” (1968) by Philip K. Dick explores similar themes of alienation and the exploitation of the working class.
– “Brazil” (1985): Terry Gilliam’s film is a dystopian satire that depicts a bureaucratic society where individuality is crushed.
– “Children of Men” (2006): Alfonso Cuarón’s film is set in a future where humanity has become infertile.
Influence on Music
The novel’s influence on music can be seen in the works of numerous musicians, including:
– David Bowie: Bowie’s album “Diamond Dogs” (1974) is inspired by the novel’s themes of violence and alienation.
– Iggy Pop: Pop’s album “The Idiot” (1977) is also inspired by the novel’s themes of violence and alienation.
– Nine Inch Nails: The band’s album “The Downward Spiral” (1994) explores similar themes of violence, alienation, and self-destruction.
Closure
On achève bien les chevaux remains a powerful and haunting work that continues to resonate with readers today. McCoy’s exploration of alienation, violence, and the search for meaning is as relevant as ever in our contemporary world, making this novel an enduring classic that challenges us to confront the darker aspects of our own society.
Essential Questionnaire
What is the central theme of On achève bien les chevaux?
The novel explores the themes of alienation, violence, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing society.
Who is the main character of the novel?
The main character is a washed-up boxer who struggles to find his place in society.
What is the significance of the title On achève bien les chevaux?
The title translates to “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” and refers to the practice of euthanizing horses that are no longer useful.