BORDER TRILOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Border trilogy refers to a series of three novels written by American author Cormac McCarthy. This term specifically encompasses the novels "All the Pretty Horses" (1992), "The Crossing" (1994), and "Cities of the Plain" (1998). The trilogy explores themes of the American Southwest, particularly the Mexico–United States border region, during the mid-20th century. These novels are closely interconnected, sharing characters, settings, and recurring thematic elements.
The Border trilogy delves into complex narratives that depict the lives of young men and their encounters with the harsh realities of the borderlands. McCarthy's writing style, characterized by its poetic prose and bleak yet powerful imagery, adds to the trilogy's distinct atmosphere. The stories examine the ambiguous concept of borders, both physical and metaphorical, and their impact on the characters' lives. The trilogy explores themes of identity, belonging, coming-of-age, and the bittersweet clash between tradition and modernity.
With meticulous attention to detail, McCarthy paints a vivid picture of the Southwest landscape, its raw beauty, and the harshness of its environment. His vivid descriptions of horses, cowboys, Mexican culture, and the bond between human and animal underscore the trilogy's exploration of humanity's interaction with nature. The Border trilogy stands out as a captivating and thought-provoking portrayal of a specific time and place, inviting readers to contemplate larger ideas of identity, destiny, and the moral complexity inherent in human existence.
Etymology of BORDER TRILOGY
The term "border trilogy" was popularized by the American author Cormac McCarthy, who used it as a title for his series of novels that explore themes related to the U.S.-Mexico border. The trilogy consists of three novels: "All the Pretty Horses" (1992), "The Crossing" (1994), and "Cities of the Plain" (1998).
The etymology of the word "border" can be traced back to the Old English word "bordūr", which meant "a dividing line". It is derived from the Old French "bordure", meaning "border" or "edge". Over time, "border" came to refer to a boundary or line that separates two territories or areas. In the context of the "border trilogy", it refers specifically to the border between the United States and Mexico.
