Wister’s The Virginian: Entertaining and Instructive Novel

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…is the first novel to create the stereotype of the Western cowboy in the eyes of the Eastern society. By mastering the three strategies of creating an observant first-person perspective, building contrast between east and west, and using dialogue to reveal the attitudes and beliefs of the Westerner, Wister achieves his goal. He provides a clear, entertaining picture of the Wild West, and provides those who may travel west with knowledge of this new place. .