These choices should be made within the context of honor, courage, and compassion. In the following paragraphs I will be explaining All the Pretty Horses as a novel of choices. Each choice that John Grady made had consequences. Although not always graceful, John was always able to deal with each problem that came his way.
Johns initial decision to leave his grandfathers Texas ranch after his death is when his journey begins. Although he is insistent on wanting to run the ranch his mother wants to lead a different lifestyle, she wants to leave the isolation of the ranch and move to place that offers excitement. John also decided to visit his estranged father before leaving but not having much to talk about they just sat in silence. John made one final attempt to try and keep the ranch going by visiting Franklin, the family lawyer, but all he can tell John is that there is no change of him keeping the ranch; his mother has sole discretion on its future. After watching his mother perform in a San Antonio play it only reaffirmed his feelings of hopelessness and decision to leave for something better. John and Rawlins decided to set off in the middle of the night to see if there is something better awaiting them. They both leave San Angelo and travel towards Mexico. Johns living the life he has always wanted, ridings, camping under the stars, living like true cowboys. Although most of their trip seemed uneventful, this is where John and Rawlins come across Jimmy Blevins. Although they confront Blevins once for following them, they decided to forget about it and continue on their way. Once again they cross paths when they are about to cross the Rio Grande into Mexico. Rawlins did not want Blevins to travel with them, but after Blevins proves to be an excellent marksman, shooting through Rawlins wallet from quite a distance, he withdraws his objections. So all three cross the river together and travel through some of the small towns in Mexico.
