Wister’s The Virginian: Entertaining and Instructive Novel

If ever there was an instruction manual on how to behave and fit into the Wild West society, The Virginian, written by Owen Wister in the 1900’s, is said manual. Wister’s purpose in this novel is to provide entertainment for his intended audience, Easterners who have not yet ventured west, and to depict a clear picture of everyday Western life and those who live it. He wants to give the reader knowledge of what …

…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. .