True Grit takes place at a time when there weren't laws prohibiting the use of drugs or alcohol in the U.S. Not so in 1923 when Mattie is actually writing her story, and we bet she's all about Prohibition. She's never liked alcohol, and Chaney even admits that the whole thing happened because he was drunk. But then she meets Rooster, who's a huge drunk, and Mattie just sort of accepts it as part of his essential Rooster-ness. Mattie plays it for comic effect, all Reno 911, but we do get a hint that drinking may keep Rooster from living the life he wants to leave. All we have to say is that we're glad Rooster takes a horse rather than a car—although he does carry a lot of guns.
Questions About Drugs and Alcohol
- Does Rooster's drinking seem to have any positive effects for him? Negative effects? How does it affect his job performance? (We ask in our managerial voice.)
- Why do you think Rooster drinks?
- What does Mattie think about drinking?
- Could Rooster's drinking have anything to do with the fact that he kills a lot of the men he goes after?
- How is Rooster able to drink all day and night and still get up early?