Guns

Guns symbolize power in Shane, and their prominence in the film helps reveal the motives of those in the story. Throughout the film, almost everyone wields a gun at some point. In the beginning, both Joe and Joey carry guns as they stand outside their home, and they use them to show Shane that they are brave and will not give in to Ryker's gang (the group they first believe him to be from). However, after Ryker rides up with all his men (and their many guns), the audience sees that Ryker's gang holds the most power in the current situation.

During most of the saloon scenes, those with guns initially seem to have the most power, yet Shane fights without a gun. Despite his prior experience as a gunslinger, Shane is trying to put his past behind him, and he does this by casting away his gun...