True Grit Chapters 1-4

Study Notes

Chapter 1

Mattie Ross, 14 years old, sets out in winter to avenge her father's death in 1870s Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Frank Ross, Mattie’s father, was shot by Tom Chaney, who was employed by him.
The Ross family resides in Yell County, near Dardanell, Arkansas.
Frank and Tom traveled 70 miles to buy ponies, leaving Yarnell, a family friend, to watch over the family.

Chapter 2

Mattie seeks the sheriff, the undertaker, and information at the Monarch boardinghouse.
The sheriff and townspeople are attending a hanging, which Mattie and Yarnell witness.

Chapter 3

Mattie visits to buy ponies and learns about Rooster Cogburn, a notorious lawman known for killing 26 men.
Rooster lives at Mr. Lee's place and later gets drunk, using Frank’s pistol to shoot a rat.

Chapter 4

After being bedridden for two days, Mattie dines and meets LaBoeuf, a 30-year-old Texas ranger also hunting Chaney.
LaBoeuf's real name for Chaney is Theron Chelmsford and he is motivated by a reward.
Tension arises as LaBoeuf expresses unwanted romantic interest in Mattie, which leads to conflict.

Chapter 5

Mattie travels to Stonehill to collect $325 reward money.
Rooster Cochburn encounters LaBoeuf, leading to warnings about Mattie's presence in their hunting party.
Mattie is ambushed in Indian territory; LaBoeuf gets injured, and Rooster threatens to protect her from LaBoeuf.
Despite the tension, the three form an alliance and continue their quest together.

Chapter 6

Rooster learns that Ned Pepper has been spotted at McAlester’s store, located 50 miles away.
An altercation occurs where gunfire is exchanged; Emmett Quincy and Moon are involved.
Moon, who had seen Chaney two days prior, suffers severe injuries at the hands of Quincy, who later dies.

Chapter 7

LaBoeuf kills Ned’s horse while wounding Bob.
A confrontation leads to Chaney’s death, resulting from shots by Mattie and Rooster.
Mattie loses her horse, Lil Blackie, in the chaos.
Rooster, who later dies at 68, is separated from Mattie, marking the end of their journey together.

Description

Explore the early chapters of 'True Grit' as 14-year-old Mattie Ross embarks on her quest for vengeance in 1870s Arkansas. Discover her encounters with local lawmen and the notorious Rooster Cogburn. Analyze the motivations and backgrounds of the characters involved in this gripping tale of justice and determination.