Shane / The Oxbow Incident

by Jane A. Coleman, Center for Learning Network

Nine lessons have students study plot and setting; examine exposition, characterization and conflict; interpret symbols; review regional language and theme; and complete study guides. Three lessons include reading, writing, investigating, calculating, mapping, and graphing activities that give students insight into events that dominated the concerns of the western settlers of the late 19th century. Grades 6-9. (CFL568)

79 pages, Spiral-bound

First published September 30, 1996

Reviews

[Jennifer Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing look at conscience, mob mentality, and the various motivations that compel otherwise decent people to knowingly do the wrong thing. The story is told from the perspective of one of the posse members, a very mellow, low-key kind of guy, so the writing is a bit dry. And since I knew beforehand how the story ends, it was less suspenseful for me than it would have been otherwise. But it's a book worth reading.

[Yofish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just about The Oxbow Incident, by Walter Clark.
Who is Jane Coleman?

I actually liked the movie better, as it was more straightforward. There's a lot of (what I consider to be) filler here, philosophical stuff about justice, the US justice system, blame, humanity, and so on. We're in the wild west, and there's rustling going on, and then a hand at a nearby ranch gets shot. A posse/lynch mob forms. One guy tries to get the sheriff in, but is overcome by momentum toward lynching. And then there was a sighting of strangers---they must be the guilty party. The book is narrated by the Harry Morgan character. A good evocation about what a lynch mob might actually go through. Lots of standing around in the cold, nobody really wants to kill the guys (except the really gung-ho ones), but nobody can muster enough inertia to stop it.

Really 3.5

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for The Oxbow Incident which I personally believe should be required reading for all students. Of course, then pep rallies would die out.