The author is renowned for his conceptualization of the American frontier or the Old West in his works and The Man of the Forest fits the bill perfectly. The novel entails the main tropes that make up a Western narrative complete with noble cowboys and lawless gunslingers. The conflict in the tale is the plot about a damsel in distress and the forces of good and evil have to confront each other to the climax. As a master of the Wild West imagery and the frontier myth, Grey concocts a narrative that embodies the idealized notion of the American West. The story plays into the archetype of good versus evil cowboys but also explores the complexity of an individual in terms of moral conflict. Thus, in character development, Grey focuses on creating full-fledged characters to showcase their complex natures. Nonetheless, the plot brings forth the classic Old West tale that demonstrates the virtues of noble men against the vices of lawless gunmen.
The story revolves around the titular man, Milt Dale, a recluse and hunter who prefers nature but has a noble soul. His character represents the part of society that embraces the morals of the natural order but understand the ruthlessness that can lie within the natural law. In this case, he understands his place on the spectrum after overhearing Snake Anson has been hired by Beasley to kidnap his rival’s niece Helen Rayner. He takes upon himself to be honorable by forestalling Anson’s plans by protecting Helen and Bo with the help of the Beeman brothers. However, the conflict does not cease as the resolve of either force is accentuated by the determination of the adversary. Consequently, the extremes of both good and evil are pushed as the characters deal with the moral conflict. Furthermore, more heroes emerge in the story as the final standoff is secured by another noble cowboy besides ‘the man of the forest’ illustrating another original twist to this Western.
As popularized by films the idea of the Old West plays upon the landscape as much as the society at the edge of law and order. Grey focuses on the spatial imagery and sceneries of the setting which also contributes to the main motif. The motif of nature is established in the plot as the main protagonist has a unique connection with nature. After Milt rescues Helen and Bo he teaches how to engage with nature to survive it, as it can be cruel as well as resourceful.
