The Arena as a Temple

Cry Macho

This thread follows the rodeo and cockfighting arenas as places where violence is celebrated, then challenges Mike’s own participation in that culture.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Crowd’s Appetite A Crowd’s Appetite from "Cry Macho". A Crowd’s Appetite Danger staged The audience cheers as Mike rides Tabasco to the horse’s apparent submission.

A Crowd’s Appetite from "Cry Macho". A Crowd’s Appetite Danger staged The audience cheers as Mike rides Tabasco to the horse’s apparent submission.

A Crowd’s Appetite Danger staged The audience cheers as Mike rides Tabasco to the horse’s apparent submission. A ritual of acclaim The crowd’s excitement makes risk seem meaningful because it is witnessed and applauded.

A Rider’s Identity A Rider’s Identity from "Cry Macho". A Rider’s Identity Heroism performed Mike’s medals, clothes, and signature hat flourish make him a recognizable rodeo star.

A Rider’s Identity from "Cry Macho". A Rider’s Identity Heroism performed Mike’s medals, clothes, and signature hat flourish make him a recognizable rodeo star.

A Rider’s Identity Heroism performed Mike’s medals, clothes, and signature hat flourish make him a recognizable rodeo star. A private cost The public image conceals pain, age, fear, and a career built on bodily danger.

The Second Arena The Second Arena from "Cry Macho". The Second Arena Violence repeated Roosters are forced to fight while spectators wager and praise the survivor.

The Second Arena from "Cry Macho". The Second Arena Violence repeated Roosters are forced to fight while spectators wager and praise the survivor.

The Second Arena Violence repeated Roosters are forced to fight while spectators wager and praise the survivor. Recognition through disgust Mike sees the same cruelty he has helped present as entertainment in rodeo arenas.

The Dead Gamecock The Dead Gamecock from "Cry Macho". The Dead Gamecock Death made ordinary Spectators examine the defeated bird as if its wounds were merely errors in technique.

The Dead Gamecock from "Cry Macho". The Dead Gamecock Death made ordinary Spectators examine the defeated bird as if its wounds were merely errors in technique.

The Dead Gamecock Death made ordinary Spectators examine the defeated bird as if its wounds were merely errors in technique. A culture exposed Mike recognizes how repeated looking can make an ugly death seem not to exist.

A Different Measure A Different Measure from "Cry Macho". A Different Measure Heroism redirected Mike’s choice is now to return to people rather than seek another arena’s approval.

A Different Measure from "Cry Macho". A Different Measure Heroism redirected Mike’s choice is now to return to people rather than seek another arena’s approval.

A Different Measure Heroism redirected Mike’s choice is now to return to people rather than seek another arena’s approval. Courage without conquest The novel leaves domination behind as the measure of a man’s worth.

At the opening Ride-Out

During Mike’s career

At the Janasco cockfight

Immediately after the cockfight

After Mike turns back toward Janasco