An Analytical Essay on "The Horse Whisperer"
             "Twice gone to hell and twice returned" (449) is the phrase Nicholas Evans uses to describe Grace's emotional journey in the final chapter of The Horse Whisperer. In fact, Grace's development is an important theme throughout the novel. Pivotal to Grace's development were the two times she went "to hell" after which a critical change can be seen in the girls outlook on life and her relationship with her mother. By breaking up the novel into three smaller sections it is easier to see this progression. Prior to Grace's accident she is indifferent towards her relationship with her mother. After Grace's accident she begins to confront this relationship and to some extent rebuilds it. Later, this relationship is nearly destroyed, but when Grace once again revisits the horror of death, she finally is able to break through and reaches a peace with her mother.
             Not much is known of Grace's relationship with her mother near the beginning of the novel, however, a brief background related by Annie does give some insight into the relationship. Annie recalls a conversation between her and Grace in which they are discussing a mother daughter photo shoot:
             " 'Why don't we ever do this?' Grace said, not looking up. Annie answered, rather too tartly, that she thought it was immoral, like product placement. And Grace had nodded thoughtfully, still not looking at her. 'Uh-huh,' she said, matter-of-fact, flipping on to something else. ' I guess people think you're younger if you make out you haven't got kids.'
             This comment and the fact that it had been uttered without a trace of malice had given Annie such a shock that for several weeks she thought of little else then her relationship with Grace, or as she now saw it, her lack of one" (39).
             It's stated twice that Grace is not lo...