Nov 12 2008
The Character of Eddie in “Hanging Woman Creek” by Louis L’amour
Hanging Woman Creek is one of those books that doesn’t necessarily stir a lot of excitement, but the character of Eddie is certainly worthy of note. Black characters in westerns are noticeable absent. Louis L’amour in general doesn’t make any special effort to include them, but Eddie is an exception to this.
Eddie in many ways is presented in a very stereotypical fashion. His dialogue is very southern. His mannerisms very subordinated. Eddie is a loyal and useful companion for Pronto Pike, but in many ways feels much less like a partner than a servant.
Overall Eddie’s character appears to be a reflection of his inability to step outside of his norm of cowboys and Indians.
Hanging Woman Creek is an excellent story for its elements of danger and action, but probably not the best example of multiculturalism in the old west.
