The Searchers

In 1956, one of the most memorable western films ever made was The Searchers, directed by John Ford. The thematic opposition represented in this movie is revenge, one man’s wandering and obsessive search. It is also a story about the struggle for self-discovery and the matter of racial prejudice.

The first scene takes us to the opening of a frontier cabin door. The framing forces us to see two different ways of life. The interior area represents a civilized world with morals and established values. The exterior, or the outside, is representative of what is savage and hostile.

After many years, Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) unexpectedly returns from the war to visit his brother Aaron (Walter Coy). It is clearly obvious that Ethan is an outsider, he will never know how it feels to live a civil life and understand the norms of society. In fact, his presence destroys the stability of the Edwards family.

Upon Ethan’s arrival the audience can get a sense of the different relationships the characters have established. Aaron’s wife Martha (Dorothy Jordan) greets Ethan in a way that indicates they had a previous relationship. The implication tells us that Martha would have married Ethan had he not disappeared s

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Inside of Scar’s tepee the men find an older, teenaged Debbie (Natalie Wood). Martin realizes that he doesn’t have much, but he will help the people who took him in and treated him like family no matter what. However, in the end Martin will remain civil and Ethan will continue to be an outsider. However, by mutilating his enemy Ethan is able to conquer his own painful impulses and seek peace with Debbie. She appears from a distance and runs down to tell Martin to leave her with her people. Both men are torn between fighting the everyday hardships of the frontier, and staying home to live a civil life. By now she has adopted the Comanche lifestyle, she speaks their language wears their clothing, and shares their beliefs. The Comanche massacred the whole Edward’s family led by the head chief Scar (Henry Brandon). Ethan does not acknowledge Martin as a true family member simply because he is part Cherokee.

Later on in their journey they finally discover the remains of one of the nieces. The neighbor, Lars Jorgenson (John Qualen) and Captain/Reverend Samuel Clayton (Ward Bond) come to warn the Edward’s that the Comanche tribe stole some cattle from Mr. Ethan is determined to continue his search but he has no use for Martin. Futterman found out information about Debbie and a piece of her clothing.

Approximate Word count = 1486
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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