True Grit Summary

1. The Truth:
In the 1880s, many citizens moved to the west after the Civil War. They came to mine and farm, for greater economic development. Whites and blacks both came, blacks especially to found their segregated towns. The Chinese also moved out here because they worked on the railroad. In the Great Plains, the bison were wiped out and Indians were forced to relocate. They moved onto reservations with the number of settlers increasing daily. The farmers began to grow wheat and other types of crops. The West had many different types of people, ranging from gunfighters and pioneers. The cowboy was a heroic figure during this time. This was far from the truth, as they had to work many hours a day in horrible conditions, and often spent months in the same saddle. The people often would take matters into their own hands, and shootings could happen at any time. Additionally, in the Indian territory (near Arkansas and Oklahoma), many criminals would hide and terrorize anyone who tried to

At 14 years old, she found out about her father (Frank Ross) being murdered by Tom Chaney. She is told that Chaney fled with “Lucky” Ned Pepper and his band to Choctaw Nation’s territory. Mattie searches for Rooster Cogburn and pays him money to help her find Chaney. LaBoeuf is a Texas ranger who is also on the lookout for Tom Chaney, who also murdered a Texas State senator. The three end teaming up together and going on a dangerous journey to find the murderer. Mattie one day came across Chaney, and she attempts to wound him. But, she is dragged away by him and Cogburn is ordered to leave, if he wanted her to be kept alive. After going through much trouble, La Boeuf is killed after saving Mattie, and Chaney is killed by Mattie. Cogburn and Mattie return back home, with Mattie suffering some wounds from the wilderness. Cogburn later dies and Mattie is left reflecting over his