Death, Dying and Loss of Loved Ones

Death, dying and the loss of loved ones is a major theme in this novel as it deals with the circle of life. The story tells of the rise and fall of civilizations, cultures and families as well as individuals. The Kotsoteka Comanche is one group whose decline is detailed in the novel. The story of Jeanne’s death, as well as the way she sees her life in retrospect, is another important facet of this theme. Finally, the way characters in the novel, Eli in particular, react to the loss of loved ones is a final important aspect of this theme.

Although the Kotsoteka Comanche seem to be a viable group when they raid the homestead of Eli’s family and take him captive, only three short years later, they have all but died out. Texas was once land...