Chapter 16
Bob looks back from his present perspective at the impact Shane made on the valley and on him. The shooting of Wilson and Fletcher became something of a legend in the valley, acquiring new details and stories. Shane is the subject of much speculation. Bob would always remember Shane. Shane was there for him in his mind whenever he needed him.
Analysis
This final short chapter puts the tale in perspective and shows its significance. The story of Shane lived on in the life of the valley as a kind of legend. For Bob, though, the story is all personal, because he clearly gives Shane credit for the lessons he learned about life as a boy. It was because of Shane that he “had a chance to live out his boyhood and grow straight inside as a man should.” Shane had taught him about personal integrity, about how a man had to do “what had to be done,” whatever the personal cost.
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