Visions of the American Frontier Quotes in The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge

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

Quote #1

Ashley was [...] a man with both the vision to bring commerce to the West and the money to make it happen. "Other people's money," as Ashley had called it. (1.1.3)

The American frontier is in the middle of an upheaval, and there's just one cause—the usual one: money. Lots and lots and lots of money. While there have always been explorers and traders diving ever deeper into the American West, they've never had so much cash invested in their operations. As it happens, that's a mixed blessing.

Quote #2

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 #3

Glass spent almost a year with the Loup Pawnee [...] After overcoming his initial reticence, Kicking Bull adopted the white man like a son. (1.7.86)

Glass has a different perspective on the frontier than most: he's been on both sides of the equation. As a result, he not only understands the local tribes more than his pale peers, but he also empathizes with them to a much large degree. He has Kicking Bull to thank for that.