Metaphor for Law and Order
The arrival at Lassiter at the beginning of the novel in chapter one is a metaphor used by the author to represent the arrival of lawfulness and order. Previous to this point, the entire settlement of Cottonwoods had been ruled by the Mormon elders, a corrupt and egotistical group of men who ruled with an iron fist and oppressed anybody who went against them or their faith. They were in the middle of assaulting yet another one of their victims who did nothing wrong other than being a Gentile, when Lassiter arrived and saved him. This was only the first of events where Lassiter brings justice and law into the setting and Zane Grey uses his arrival as a metaphor for this.
Metaphor for Gender Inequality
In chapter five of the book, the author introduces a new character known as the masked rider. Fearless and known throughout the land, this infamous outlaw is actually a woman. Despite being an ace shooter, and excellent rider, and a resourceful person, Bess is forced to always cover her face because she is a woman. In this society placed in the late 1800s, the idea of a woman having skills equal or superior to that of men, especially in riding, is inconceivable. The author uses this masked rider to exemplify the setting and background of the story.
The Metaphor for Religious Change
The book opens up with a description of the archaic Mormon church located in Utah, governed by xenophobia, hatred, and strict rules of protection for their faith. They persecute non-Mormons, who are knows as Gentiles, and often forbid contact or aiding these Gentiles. However, the author attempts to show that the church is changing its ways, at least among certain members, and uses Jane Withersteen as a metaphor for this religious change. Jane befriends Bess Venters, who is a poor Gentile, and helps him get his life on a better track. Not only does she provide him with bare necessities, such as meals, water, and horses, but she provides him with love, compassion, and acceptance. Despite the outcries and attacks from the Mormon elders who have a fervent hatred for Gentiles, Jane is a metaphor for change and shows Bern Venters love and compassion simply because he is a fellow human being.
Metaphor for the Evils of Religion
In chapter twelve, the author introduces a metaphor for the evils of religion. Jane is in her kitchen talking with Lassiter, when Lassiter informs her that they must be careful because they are being watched, even by Jane's own women. Jane does not believe his words for an instant because even though they are Mormon, these women have worked and lived with Jane for years and years and they have developed a close bond of love and affection for each other. However, Jane still decides to check behind her door for any spies because of Lassiter's insistence, and discovers one of her maids hiding there and listening. This act of duplicity and secretiveness is a metaphor used by the author to represent the evils of religion because it shows how people will do dark things for their religion even if it means harming the people closest to them, who they have known and cared about for years.
Metaphor for Innocence
The author introduces us to a new character in the book, an impoverished Gentile known as Bern Venter, and in introducing this new character, Zane Grey is also creating a metaphor for the idea of innocence. Bern Venters was traveling when he stumbled upon the town of Cottonwoods and was lucky enough to receive help from Jane Withersteen. He was a good, honest man yet he was persecuted and attacked by the Mormon elders imply because he was not a Mormon and had received aid and compassion from Jane. Despite doing nothing wrong he is beaten and about to be whipped to death when is later saved. The author uses him as a metaphor for innocence by showing that he is free from guilt of any wrongdoing and contrasting him with the evil elders of the town.
