The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge Chapter 6: August 31, 1823 Quotes

The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge Chapter 6: August 31, 1823 Quotes

How we cite the quotes:
(Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote 1

The frontier for Bridger became [...] a magnetic force pulling him inexorably toward something that he heard about, but never seen. (1.6.34)

For many, like young Jim Bridger, the frontier represents nothing less than freedom. Freedom from the constraints of civilization. Freedom from the drudgery of day-to-day life. Freedom from mediocrity. This thing is a grab bag of symbolism—it represents whatever you want it to represent.

Quote 2

The boy came to believe that going west was [...] a part of his soul, a missing ounce that could only be made whole on some far-off mountain or plain. (1.6.34)

Bridger isn't messing around, people. Although he's spent his entire life chasing excitement and adventure, they always seem just out of reach. That's not true on the frontier. On the frontier, simply going from Point A to Point B is a serious undertaking, one requiring bravery, skill, and a hearty sense of adventure.

Quote 3

It was the polar opposite of the life he imagined for himself, a life of wandering and exploration through country unknown. (1.6.35)

Initially, Bridger tries to satiate his thirst for adventure by working on the Mississippi, but that proves to be a wash (pun totally intended). By now, people have traveled up and down the Mississippi a million times—Bridger wants to do something new.