no country for old men essay

Themes and Analysis

No country for old men, by cormac mccarthy.

'No Country for Old Men' by Cormac McCarthy explores themes of moral ambiguity, fate, and the inexorable march of time.

Article written by Ebuka Igbokwe

Bachelor's degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Cormac McCarthy’s novel ‘No Country for Old Men’ is a modern classic that explores complex themes in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. Set against the stark backdrop of a drug deal gone awry in the deserts of West Texas, the lives of three central characters—Llewelyn Moss, Anton Chigurh, and Sheriff Ed Tom Bell—become intricately intertwined. Through the dramatic events that unfold, McCarthy delves into themes such as fate, the blurred line between right and wrong, the passage of time, and the corrupting influence of money and greed. We will explore these themes and highlight how the author skillfully weaves them into the narrative.

Moral Ambiguity In No Country for Old Men

In ‘ No Country for Old Men ,’ Cormac McCarthy presents a morally complex and bleak perspective on human existence. The novel raises profound questions about morality, the choices individuals make, and the consequences that follow.

Through the characters of Llewelyn Moss and Anton Chigurh, McCarthy paints a vivid contrast in moral attitudes. Chigurh embodies unrelenting evil, committing acts of violence without remorse and adhering to his twisted code of ethics. He serves as a chilling reminder of the capacity for malevolence within humanity.

Conversely, Llewelyn MossLlewelyn MossLlewelyn Moss is a morally ambiguous character. While his decision to take a large sum of money from the drug deal is morally questionable, his act of giving water to a dying man reveals his compassion and humanity. Despite his flaws and criminal actions, Moss elicits sympathy from readers.

Moss’s choices lead him into a perilous world, illustrating how ordinary individuals can be drawn into darkness. Sheriff Bell, representing the novel’s moral compass, grapples with the theme of good and evil throughout the story. He despairs at the world’s moral decay, feeling that traditional values have eroded.

Through its characters and their moral struggles, ‘No Country for Old Men’ challenges simplistic notions of good and evil, portraying a world where morality is fluid, and individuals must confront the consequences of their decisions. It paints a grim picture of a world where evil can lurk unexpectedly, and societal moral norms seem to have faltered.

The Inevitability of Fate in No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy’s story of ‘ No Country for Old Men ‘ delves deeply into the theme of fate, weaving it into the fabric of the narrative through the experiences of Llewelyn Moss and Anton Chigurh.

Anton Chigurh, a psychopathic killer, becomes the primary agent of fate in the story. He carries out violent acts with cold determination and uses a coin toss to decide the fate of his victims. This coin toss symbolizes the arbitrary and capricious nature of life’s twists and turns. Chigurh firmly believes that fate is preordained, and his role is merely to execute it. He embodies the chaos and uncertainty that underlie existence.

Moss’s decision to take the drug money sets off a chain of events that thrusts him into a dangerous pursuit by Chigurh. Despite Moss’s belief that he can alter his fate by taking the money, his choices only serve to set the stage for an inevitable confrontation with Chigurh.

Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, reflecting on the changing landscape of crime and violence, laments the loss of traditional values and the rise of a brutal and amoral world. He feels helpless in the face of fate’s relentless march and the forces beyond his comprehension.

Throughout the novel, McCarthy employs vivid and brutal scenes to emphasize the idea that fate is inescapable. The violence and chaos underscore the theme of fate as an uncontrollable force that shapes the lives of the characters, often with tragic consequences. These scenes serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable nature of life.

Aging and the Passage of Time in No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy also explores the theme of aging and the loss of one’s capabilities in ‘ No Country for Old Men ‘ through the character of Sheriff Ed Tom Bell. As Bell investigates the violent crimes unfolding in his jurisdiction, he becomes acutely aware of his limitations, both physical and emotional.

Sheriff Bell longs for a simpler time when the world appeared more understandable and morally clear. He feels outpaced by the relentless changes in society and mourns the increasing brutality and moral decay. His introspection extends to his sense of loss and the realization that he is no longer as effective in his role as he once was. He feels powerless to protect those he serves in the face of such brutality.

Bell’s character reflects on the inexorable march of time, the challenges of growing older, and the evolving nature of his role in a changing world. His narrative serves as a poignant commentary on the human experience and the inevitability of aging.

Money, Greed, and Corruption in No Country for Old Men

‘ No Country for Old Men ‘ by Cormac McCarthy’s novel delves into the theme of greed and the corrupting influence of money. At the heart of the story is the discovery of a drug deal gone awry, a suitcase filled with two million dollars, and the moral dilemma faced by Llewelyn Moss.

Moss’s decision to take the money illustrates how greed can corrupt the human soul. Initially motivated by the desire for financial security, Moss becomes entangled in a world of criminals and violence. His obsession with money blinds him to the risks and consequences of his actions.

Anton Chigurh represents the destructive power of greed in a different way. He is not motivated by wealth but rather by a sense of duty to retrieve the stolen money and eliminate those who stand in his way. Chigurh’s indifference to human life and his willingness to kill indiscriminately underscore the idea that greed can dehumanize individuals, turning them into remorseless agents of destruction.

Carson Wells, another hitman hired to recover the money, provides a contrasting perspective on greed. Driven by personal gain rather than a sense of duty, he negotiates with Moss and offers him a chance to surrender the money peacefully. However, his ultimate fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed. Despite his intelligence and pragmatism, Wells cannot escape the violent and unpredictable forces set in motion by the allure of money.

Sheriff Ed Tom Bell serves as a moral counterbalance to the other characters’ greed-driven actions. The novel suggests that in a world dominated by greed, moral values, and humanity may be sacrificed at the altar of material gain.

Cormac McCarthy’s ‘ No Country for Old Men ‘ is a literary masterpiece that skillfully explores these complex themes through its compelling characters and gripping narrative. McCarthy’s examination of moral ambiguity, fate, the passage of time, and the corrupting influence of money provides readers with a thought-provoking and haunting portrayal of the human condition in a world filled with darkness and uncertainty.

Key Moments in No Country for Old Men

• Llewelyn Moss stumbles on a suitcase of money at the scene of a failed drug deal and decides to take it.
• Moss returns to the scene and is discovered by the drug dealers who pursue him.
• Anton Chigurh is introduced. He murders a deputy sheriff and a motorist and tosses a coin to decide whether to kill or spare a gas station attendant.
• To avoid capture, Moss and his wife Carla Jean flee their home.
• Using a transmitter, Chigurh tracks Moss to a motel. Moss, Chigurh, and some Mexican bandits have a shootout. Moss and Chigurh sustain injuries.
• While receiving treatment at a hospital in Mexico, Moss is visited by Carson Wells. Wells asks him to hand over the money for his life to be spared.
• Chigurh kills Wells at the motel where Wells lodged.
• On his way to meet his wife in El Paso, Moss is killed by Mexican drug dealers.
• Chigurh retrieves the money from Moss’s motel room and returns it to the owner.
• Chigurh finds and kills Carla Jean.
• Chigurh is severely injured in an accident but escapes. His fate is unknown.
• Unable to either save Moss or capture Chigurh, Sheriff Ed Tom Bell resigns.

Writing Style and Tone of No Country for Old Men

The writing style of ‘No Country for Old Men’ is sparse and lyrical and Cormac McCarthy employs a straight-to-the-point, conversational diction. He is quite descriptive but uses short declarative sentences that give a sense of directness and simplicity. Crisp dialogue drives the story forward. The tone of the book is generally dark and gritty, its bleak atmosphere reflecting the harsh and unforgiving world that is the story’s setting.

What does Chigurh represent?

Chigurh sees himself as the personification of fate. He believes that every action is determined and he acts only as an agent of fate. The character portrays how fate is impersonal and can be unpredictable.

What is the symbol of the bolt gun in No Country for Old Men ?

The captive bolt gun is Chigurh’s primary weapon in the story. It is more commonly used in slaughterhouses to stun cattle before killing them. Using the bolt gun on humans shows how little Chigurh values human life, considering it worth no more than livestock.

Why did Sheriff Bell resign?

He resigns because he no longer feels capable of fulfilling his role as a sheriff in a world that has become increasingly violent and morally ambiguous. He recognizes that the times have changed and that he is unable to reconcile the moral complexities and violence he has encountered with his sense of duty and righteousness.

Where does Moss hide and Chigurh find the money?

When he lodges in a motel, Moss hides the money in the ventilation shaft. Chigurh discovers this trick and retrieves the money from the ventilation shaft of the room in the motel where Moss is killed.

Why did Moss return to the scene of the drug deal?

When Moss first arrives at the scene of the drug deal, a dying man asks him for water. Out of compassion, he returns that night with a jar of water.

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About Ebuka Igbokwe

Ebuka Igbokwe is the founder and former leader of a book club, the Liber Book Club, in 2016 and managed it for four years. Ebuka has also authored several children's books. He shares philosophical insights on his newsletter, Carefree Sketches and has published several short stories on a few literary blogs online.

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No Country for Old Men

66 pages • 2 hours read

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Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Llewelyn Moss makes one mistake that changes the course of his life. What is that mistake and how does it result from the kind of man he is? Describe and explain Llewelyn Moss’ character. Include a description of his relationships with both Carla Jean and the teenaged hitchhiker.

Ed Tom Bell makes a mistake when he is 21 years old that shadows the rest of his life. What is his mistake? Is he right or wrong to hold on to the beliefs about himself that he does? Explain.

Why is Sheriff Bell afraid of finding Anton Chigurh? Explain.

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No Country for Old Men

Cormac mccarthy, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

No Country for Old Men is set in 1980 in the barren West Texas landscape along the U.S./Mexico Border. The novel opens with a monologue delivered by Sheriff Ed Tom Bell , a WWII veteran and sheriff of Terrell County, in which he speaks about the evolving evil in America and his struggle to reconcile the changes he is witnessing in society. This monologue, and those that follow, establish several of the novel’s themes.

The narrative begins with Vietnam veteran, Llewellyn Moss . Moss is hunting antelope when he stumbles upon a drug deal gone terribly wrong. He discovers a dying Mexican man in a truck packed with a large quantity of heroin. The man begs for water, but Moss leaves to search for the man he suspects survived the carnage. He finds the man lying dead beside a briefcase packed with 2.4 million dollars. Moss takes the briefcase, and returns home to his wife Carla Jean . Later that night he wakes with a feeling of remorse, and returns to the scene to bring the dying man some water. When he arrives, he finds the man has been shot and killed. Meanwhile, a pair of drug dealers discovers his truck. A chase ensues, but Moss escapes by jumping into a river. He realizes that the men will track him using the information from his truck, and understands they will never stop looking for him. Returning home, Moss tells Carla Jean she needs to go to Odessa and stay with her mother. She leaves for Odessa, and Moss goes on the run.

Sheriff Bell and his deputies begin their investigation of the botched drug deal and several connected murders. Bell, who is haunted by the death of his men in WWII, makes it his mission to protect Moss and Carla Jean, while bringing justice to the criminals involved. Meanwhile, Chigurh , a ruthless hit man who uses a slaughterhouse bolt gun used to kill cattle as his weapon of choice and often flips a coin to determine whether a person lives or dies, is hired to track Moss and the drug money. A deadly game of cat and mouse begins, in which Moss uses his survival skills and military expertise to evade Chigurh and the Mexican drug dealers who have been sent out to recover their money.

Chigurh uses a tracking device linked to the briefcase holding the money to find Moss. A shootout occurs in Eagles Pass, in which both Chigurh and Moss are wounded. The shootout continues in the center of town, involving Moss, Chigurh, and several Mexican drug dealers who arrive on the scene. Moss barely escapes over the Mexican border, but before crossing the bridge into Mexico, he tosses the drug money over the bridge into a patch of river cane beside the Rio Grande. Moss wakes up in a Mexican hospital and finds Carson Wells sitting beside him. Wells has been hired to stop Chigurh and recover the briefcase. Wells, a Vietnam veteran like Moss, but Special Forces, tries to reason with Moss about the danger he is in, but Moss believes he can handle the situation on his own. Wells gives Moss his business card and leaves. Meanwhile, Sheriff Bell continues to search for Moss. He visits Carla Jean in Odessa and asks her for any leads on Moss. She refuses to help him, stating that Moss can take care of himself, but Bell is not so sure. He tells her to contact him if he hears from Moss.

Wells returns to Eagles Pass, and explores the town, looking for clues. When he gets back to his motel, Chigurh is waiting for him. After a short exchange, Chigurh kills him. Meanwhile, Moss calls Carla Jean from Mexico and tells her she needs to take her grandmother and go to El Paso. After he calls Carla Jean, Moss calls Wells’ phone, but Chigurh answers. Chigurh tells Moss if he turns over the money he will spare Carla Jean, but Moss refuses. Moss, still injured, crosses back to the U.S. and retrieves the money from the bank of the river. He begins heading west toward El Paso where Carla Jean is waiting. He picks up a young hitchhiker along the way to help him drive. They are caught by the Mexican drug dealers at a motel in Van Horn, and killed. Later, Chigurh arrives and finds the money, which he returns to its owner.

Though Moss has been killed and the money returned, Chigurh continues hunting Carla Jean. Chigurh catches Carla Jean in her grandmother’s house, and kills her. While driving away, Chigurh is struck by a car that runs a stop sign. Chigurh buys a shirt from a boy named David DeMarco, and leaves the scene. Demarco and a friend steal the gun used to kill Carla Jean from the seat of Chigurh’s truck.

A few months later, Bell visits his Uncle Ellis and seeks advice on the guilt he feels about his experience in WWII and his failure to solve the crimes in his community. He talks about quitting his job as sheriff. When he returns home, he receives a call informing him about the discovery of the gun used to Kill Carla Jean. He questions DeMarco, but the young man is unhelpful. At this point in the narrative, Bell feels defeated by the situation. He decides to retire, a decision supported by his wife Loretta . The narrative ends with Bell’s resignation, a symbolic surrender to the overpowering forces of evil that will continue to reign in the world.

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No Country for Old Men by Cormac Mccarthy: The Issue of Veterans in The United States of America

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Fate in “No Country for Old Men”

Fate in “No Country for Old Men” plays a central role in shaping the characters’ destinies, influencing their decisions and ultimately determining their outcomes in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the Texas borderlands.

Introduction: Fate in “No Country for Old Men”

Table of Contents

Fate in “No Country for Old Men” plays a central role in shaping the characters’ destinies, influencing their decisions and ultimately determining their outcomes in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the Texas borderlands. Keeping in mind the entire plot of the movie – the deeply rooted evil within the characters of all three main characters, the tools used in this movie – both literal and figurative – become a topic of interesting discussion. Whether it is the weapons and guns used in this movie, the greed and chase for money to buy people and their loyalty, or simply people themselves, each of them can be considered a tool used in this movie from their own unique and intriguing perspective. The kinds of tools used in the plot and story of this movie can be categorized into four different aspects – firstly, the weapons and other accessories used to kill others and overcome death; secondly, money is used as a tool; thirdly, people themselves, for example, Chigurh is thought of as a tool; and finally, the entire movie’s tools.

Characters and Fate in “No Country for Old Men”

There are a number of weapons, guns, and different arms used by the main lead characters in this movie, either to protect themselves from any kind of danger or simply to brutally kill those who get in their path. The common tools seen in the movie include screwdrivers, saws, binoculars, and even maps in some scenes. However, the movie also shows the use of specialized weapons that these men use to kill others. For example, the instrument that Chigurh owns is basically like an oxygen tank, typically used to slaughter livestock in slaughterhouses, which is connected to a bolt gun (Jutel). The concept and idea behind designing such a tool clearly portray the character and personality of Chigurh. He has no sense of empathy or remorse for his actions, as evidenced by his calm and composed demeanor while using the instrument to brutally murder people. Chigurh’s violent nature is further demonstrated when he uses a silenced shotgun to murder someone without alerting his surroundings.

Chigurh always confronts people head-on, as he is considered an evil and immortal spirit, whereas Moss tries to stay one step ahead of his enemies and avoid direct confrontation. He strategically uses his weapons and tools to fight and overcome death, such as designing a weapon structure with a gun and tape to protect himself from potential threats. Despite Moss’s efforts to evade death, it continually finds him, exemplified by the transponder in the briefcase that leads his enemies to him. Moss hoped to defeat death and start a new life with the briefcase, but ultimately, fate had other plans for him.

Money and Fate in “No Country for Old Men”

If analyzed closely, the two-million-dollar briefcase becomes a catalyst for the loss of innocent lives. Moss seeks to escape with the money for a better life, while the drug dealers pursue it to reclaim their lost fortune. Money has the power to blind individuals, driving them to actions they wouldn’t normally consider. Chigurh, however, is indifferent to the monetary value, focusing instead on the challenge presented by Moss. Money serves as a tool or catalyst for Chigurh, influencing his actions and strategies. While he may not desire money, he understands its power and utilizes it to his advantage, knowing that people can be easily manipulated by monetary incentives. The coin toss scenes illustrate Chigurh’s belief in chance and probability, shaping his decisions and actions. Money is also used by Moss at the motel to legitimize his activities, highlighting its ability to influence perceptions and behaviors. Similarly, when Chigurh is injured, he uses money to persuade a stranger to aid him, demonstrating how financial incentives can sway individuals’ actions.

People and Fate in “No Country for Old Men”

As previously discussed, Chigurh views money not as an end in itself, but as a means to manipulate others and shape their actions according to his desires. Similarly, he perceives himself as a tool—a cold, emotionless instrument devoid of empathy or sentiment. Even when faced with severe injuries, such as a protruding bone from a gunshot wound, he remains indifferent, regarding his physical pain merely as an obstacle to his objectives. His belief in the power of money to buy anything, even life itself, is evident in his interactions with the two boys whom he offers a significant sum for a shirt, prompting their astonished response. Throughout the film, Chigurh’s relentless pursuit of his goals, coupled with his ruthless demeanor and lack of empathy, underscores his self-perception as a formidable tool of destruction. He instills fear in his victims and operates with a sense of invincibility, choosing his actions based on his own twisted sense of fate or chance, exemplified by his use of the coin toss as a determinant of life and death.

Fools of Fate in “No Country for Old Men”

In short “No Country for Old Men” portrays a dynamic interplay of characters , each driven by their own motivations and influenced by various tools—whether it be money, weapons, or personal vendettas. Moss’s relentless pursuit of the briefcase represents the power of money as a driving force, compelling him to confront the inevitability of death. Conversely, Chigurh is motivated by a singular determination to fulfill his task, using whatever means necessary to achieve his goal. Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s pursuit of justice highlights a different approach, one focused on capturing Chigurh and restoring order. Ultimately, the characters themselves become tools in each other’s narratives, shaping the course of events in unforeseen ways. Indeed, “No Country for Old Men” explores the multifaceted nature of tools and their impact on fate. While weapons and arms serve as instruments of violence and death, money emerges as a potent tool capable of influencing individuals’ actions and altering the course of events. Moreover, the characters themselves grapple with their identities as tools, reflecting on their roles in shaping their own destinies. Ultimately, the film suggests that while tools may offer temporary solutions or advantages, they cannot ultimately alter the immutable forces of fate and mortality.

Works Cited: Fate in “No Country for Old Men”

• Jutel, Thierry. “No Country for Old Men , Visual Regime, Mental Image and Narrative Slowness.” Sense of Cinema. Oct. 2011. Web. 25 Apr 2023.
• Kirn, Walter. “No Country for Old Men, Visual Regime, Mental Image and Narrative Slowness” The New York Times Book Review. 24 Jul. 2005. Web. Apr 25, 2023.
• Mars-Jones, Adam. “No Country for Old Men”. The Guardian. 05 Nov. 2005. Web. 25 Apr 2023.
• McCarthy, Cormac. “No Country for Old Men”. DVD. 2005.
• Schickel, Richard. “ Hypnotized by No Country for Old Men ”. Times Inc. 09 Nov.  2007. Web. 25 Apr 2023.

Relevant Questions about Fate in “No Country for Old Men”

• How does the theme of Fate in “No Country for Old Men” manifest itself throughout the narrative, and what role does it play in shaping the characters’ actions and outcomes?
• In “No Country for Old Men,” how do the characters grapple with the concept of Fate, and how does their belief or disbelief in it influence their decisions and behaviors?
• Can the events in “No Country for Old Men” be interpreted as predetermined by Fate, or are they a result of the characters’ choices and actions? How does the novel explore the interplay between Fate and free will?

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No Country for Old Men (2007 Film) Essay Questions

By joel and ethan coen, essay questions.

These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.

Written by Polly Barbour

What are the main differences between Cormac McCarthy's novel and this screen adaptation?

The script for the movie was, for the most part, completely faithful to McCarthy's original novel. There were only minor alterations made, and the Coen brothers made these because they believed they did not make any major differences to the narrative. For example, there is a teenage runaway who appears in the book in its latter stages; this character was removed for the purposes of the film. Bell's backstory was also limited, having taken up a far more extensive section of the novel. Another character-come-backstory removed from the film is Deborah Bell, the deceased daughter of the Bells, whose loss weighs heavy on them throughout the narrative.

Another tweak was in the character of Carla Jean Moss; after her husband's death, she is alone in her home when Chigurh appears, intending to kill her. Her reaction as a character in the novel is more or less what most sheltered women's reactions would be when confronted by an assassin in one's living room - she falls apart, melting down emotionally and mentally. However, in the movie, her reaction is slightly different. Although she is still palpably scared, there is a quiet resignation about her. She doesn't break down; she has been through so much that she merely accepts the home invasion and her likely impending murder as the next - and last - in a long line of things she has had to deal with, and she seems to feel that there is an inevitability about it. It is as though she realized that there was really no chance of any other outcome.

Are there traditional good guys and bad guys in this film?

Sometimes, the line between good and evil in the film is very clear and precise. Chigurh is an assassin. He feels nothing when he kills, other than pleasure and amusement. He does not seem to value human life; a life is something to be taken in return for a large pay-off. A human life is a commodity and he considers himself to be one of the best traders in the field. There is no blurring of the lines around Chigurh's character; he is evil incarnate, psychopathic and amoral. He is both the antagonist, and the traditional "baddie" character.

There are also other bad guy characters in the film whose actions are less depraved than Chigurh's but nonetheless deadly for it. The Mexican criminals, for example, are prepared to kill in order to get their money back, but they are also prepared not to kill if they can get their money back without doing so. They are bad guys, because they are criminals, but they do not operate in the same world of evil that Chigurh does.

Then there are the good characters, who sadly seem to also take the role of the victim in the film. One such character is Carla Jean Moss, whose life is ruined by her husband's unthinking theft of the briefcase filled with money from a crime scene near the desert. She has done nothing to cause what happens to her, yet she is powerless to stop the chain of events that ensue and ultimately lead to the deaths of her entire family.

The line between goody and baddy begins to blur slightly when it comes to Llewelyn Moss. He is a good man, for the most part, who does a bad thing, but it is easy to see how he would not consider it to be that bad of a thing that he is doing - after all, he is not stealing life savings from seniors, he is taking a briefcase filled with money from the scene of a crime that seems to have resulted in the key players' deaths. He is nice enough of a man to return to the scene later with water for one of the men there who has survived. Unfortunately, Moss's greed is what ultimately causes his death; if he had given back the money when he had the opportunity he may very well have made it out of the movie alive. He puts his family in harms way, which makes us view him as a bad guy, but in relative terms, when compared to the other characters in the film he is definitively a good character.

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No Country for Old Men (2007 Film) Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for No Country for Old Men (2007 Film) is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

Study Guide for No Country for Old Men (2007 Film)

No Country for Old Men (2007 Film) study guide contains a biography of Joel and Ethan Coen, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About No Country for Old Men (2007 Film)
• No Country for Old Men (2007 Film) Summary
• Character List
• Director's Influence

Essays for No Country for Old Men (2007 Film)

No Country for Old Men (2007 Film) essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of No Country for Old Men (2007 Film) by Joel and Ethan Coen.

• The Bounds of Sheriff Bell's Identity: Psychic Walls in No Country for Old Men

Wikipedia Entries for No Country for Old Men (2007 Film)

• Introduction