The Great Books Podcast Summary: Episode 365 - 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Books
• Host: John J. Miller (National Review)
• Guest: Deidre Berzer (History Professor at Hillsdale College, Press Director and Editor-in-Chief of the South Dakota Historical Society Press)
• Episode: 365 - "'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry"
• Release Date: March 25, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 365 of The Great Books podcast, host John J. Miller welcomes history professor Deidre Berzer to discuss Larry McMurtry's acclaimed novel, Lonesome Dove. Recorded at Hillsdale College's campus radio station, the conversation delves deep into why Lonesome Dove is considered a modern Western epic, exploring its themes, characters, and enduring legacy.

The Opening Metaphor and Its Significance

The episode kicks off with Deidre Berzer analyzing the novel's evocative opening line:

John J. Miller (00:57): "When Augustus came out on the porch, the blue pigs were eating a rattlesnake, not a very big one. It had probably just been crawling around looking for shade when it ran into the pigs. They were having a fine tug of war with it, and rattling days were over. The sow had it by the neck and the shoat had the tail."

Berzer interprets this vivid metaphor as a representation of the novel's central theme:

Deidre Berzer (01:57): "I think it's a great metaphor for one of the major themes of the book... the kind of wildness of South Texas being tamed by the Texas Rangers, symbolized by the pigs eating the rattlesnake."

This imagery sets the stage for the exploration of civilization versus the untamed wilderness, a recurring motif throughout the novel.

Setting and Historical Context

Lonesome Dove is set in the late 1870s in the fictional Texas border town of Lonesome Dove. Deidre provides insights into the historical backdrop:

Deidre Berzer (04:27): "The book talks a lot about the work that Gus and Call did, clearing out Comanches as much as they could... Texas at this point is pretty much done with Indian wars..."

John J. Miller probes into the nature of Texas during this era:

John J. Miller (03:01): "What is this place like?"

Berzer elaborates on Larry McMurtry's inspiration and the town's portrayal:

Deidre Berzer (03:01): "Lonesome Dove is this border town, very small, kind of has been town. It used to have multiple saloons. Now it just has one... where the Hat Creek Cattle Company, run by Gus and Call, have set up shop."

Main Characters: Woodrow Call and Augustus 'Gus' McCrae

Central to the narrative are the two former Texas Rangers, Woodrow Call and Augustus McCrae. Their contrasting personalities form the heart of the story.

Woodrow F. Call

Described as stoic and disciplined, Call embodies duty and honor:

Deidre Berzer (09:59): "Call is a stoic... a man of few words... a workaholic who always does what he thinks is right, no matter how painful."

Augustus 'Gus' McCrae

In contrast, Gus is charismatic and humorous, serving as the conscience of the group:

Deidre Berzer (11:04): "Gus is the humor part in the book... he loves to talk and conversation... he's everyone's conscience."

This dynamic duo's friendship is pivotal, highlighting themes of loyalty and personal growth.

The Cattle Drive to Montana

Faced with restlessness in Lonesome Dove, Gus proposes a daring cattle drive to Montana, inspired by their old friend Jake Spoon’s tales.

Deidre Berzer (08:15): "Jake Spoon tells them Montana is 'God's cattle country'... Call takes it as the inspiration he's been waiting for."

John J. Miller delves into the economic and adventurous motivations behind the drive:

John J. Miller (07:26): "What's a cattle drive?... It's a supply chain and distribution."

The journey is not just about moving cattle but also serves as a canvas for numerous adventures, including encounters with bandits and Indigenous groups.

Themes Explored in 'Lonesome Dove'

Civilization vs. Barbarism

A central theme is the tension between the encroaching civilization and the remaining wildness of the West.

Deidre Berzer (21:26): "Civilization versus barbarism and the coming of civilization and how that's a good thing in a lot of ways..."

Friendship and Loyalty

The profound friendship between Call and Gus underscores their personal sacrifices and unwavering support for each other.

Deidre Berzer (36:03): "The relationship, the friendship, the working partnership that Gus and Call share is the center of the book..."

Father-Son Relationship

The novel intricately weaves a subtle father-son dynamic, particularly through the character Newt.

Deidre Berzer (16:29): "There's a kind of father-son relationship here... Gus is always trying to get Call to acknowledge Newt as his son."

The TV Miniseries Adaptation

Murphy expands on the successful 1989 TV miniseries adaptation, starring Robert Duvall as Gus and Tommy Lee Jones as Call.

Deidre Berzer (25:22): "It started as a screenplay... the miniseries is a masterpiece... great casting."

The adaptation significantly boosted the novel's popularity, making it a cultural touchstone and influencing many readers to engage with the book post-viewing.

The Book's Legacy and Relevance Today

Deidre emphasizes the timeless nature of Lonesome Dove and its continued relevance:

Deidre Berzer (34:14): "If you're a person who appreciates a really good, complicated story... the relationship, the friendship, the working partnership that Gus and Call share is the center of the book."

The novel's exploration of enduring themes such as loyalty, loss, and the human condition resonates with contemporary audiences, maintaining its status as a literary classic.

Conclusion

In this illuminating episode, John J. Miller and Deidre Berzer provide a comprehensive exploration of Lonesome Dove, highlighting its rich narrative, complex characters, and profound themes. Their discussion underscores why Larry McMurtry's work remains a beloved epic in the Western literary canon, offering deep insights into the human spirit amidst the sprawling backdrop of the American West.

Notable Quotes:

• Deidre Berzer (21:49):

  "Civilization versus barbarism... the workers who made this country safe for bankers... forming the backbone of the novel's thematic structure."

• John J. Miller (07:26):

  "What's a cattle drive?... It's a supply chain and distribution."

• Deidre Berzer (34:14):

  "The relationship, the friendship, the working partnership that Gus and Call share is the center of the book... they bring out the best in each other."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Episode 365 of The Great Books podcast, offering a detailed overview of Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove for both new listeners and those familiar with the episode.