American Studies Blog 6

Select any scene in The Searchers and write an analysis of how it represents and whether it questions or reinforces the myths of the American West.

The Searchers is one of the most well known classic Western films, directed by John Ford in 1956. Throughout the film there are a lot of stereotypical elements used within, which reinforce the ideas of American West myths. The story follows the protagonist Ethan Edwards and his companion Martin Pawley, who have embarked on a journey to find a missing family member, Debbie Edwards, captured by a tribe.

Although not very dominant throughout the movie, there is the subtle element of the American Dream. James Adams coined this term in 1931. The Western films were very much directed and marketed to those living in the East, but also to those further than the North Atlantic, to appeal to people who wanted a new, prosperous, beginning. 

Image 1 - The Jorgensen family

Source - http://derekwinnert.com/the-searchers-classic-film-review-349/

The scene where Ethan and Martin stop by the Jorgensen’s house, about mid way through the film, focuses on the two stark contrasts of the outcome of the American Dream. The first being the successful, where the Jorgensen family have created a lifestyle, which suits them and where they can live comfortably. However, on the other hand, the failure of the American Dream, which implies freedom within the land, where the Native Americans murdered the Edward’s family at the beginning of the movie. The Jorgensen family offer Ethan to stay with them and provide him with opportunities, allowing him to prosper, but he still declines. This is interesting as it plays on the idea of rags-to-riches, that if anyone were provided luck, hard work and perseverance, they would be able to achieve. It reinforces the idea that to be a Western hero, you rebelled against the classic image of individualistic drive and left that to the ranchers, farmers and settlers. This is again reiterated in the final scene where Ethan walks away from the American Dream, where he leaves the promise of wealth and to some degree, comfort.

Image 2 - Ethan with the Jorgensen family

Source - http://microbrewreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/the-john-ford-blogathon-rescue-or.html

Image 3 - Ethan and Martin on their search for Debbie

Source - http://derekwinnert.com/the-searchers-classic-film-review-349/

The myth of the American Dream appealed to many, however John Ford negatively portrays this subtly throughout the movie. There are further implications that there is not enough land for everyone to live happily, but also that the lifestyle of the individual prospering does not suit everyone. Although, arguably, the Jorgensen family are happy and comfortable with their lifestyle and in the end Martin can be interpreted in joining them, as it is only Ethan who walks away.