"He's dangerous all right, but not to us, my dear ... In fact, I don't think you ever had a safer man in your house." This is a quote referring to the protagonist, Shane, who is the main character in this novel by Jack Schaefer. Shane is a story about a young boys hero, and his struggle to be like him. It is based on the trials and tribulations of old west pioneers, and their constant battle between good and evil. The story revolves around one family's willful stand to keep their land away from the antagonist, Fletcher. As the plot thickens, the confrontations with Fletcher and his gang become too much for the town, the Starrett's or HIM to handle and some action must be taken. Schaefer conveys the principles of fortitude, loyalty, trustworthiness, and self control which depict the main character Shane.

The major conflict in the...