pecos bill presentation Flashcards
summary
There are various versions of this tall tale in which the ending differs, but it all starts with Bill, the youngest of a large family moving from east Texas, who is lost during the Pecos River crossing. This is how he got the name, Pecos Bill. He is found and brought up by a family of coyotes until he is seen by a cowboy, that is believed to be his brother, who tells him he is human. After returning to civilized society, he becomes a legendary cowboy and invents multiple tricks including the famous lasso. He rode everything in the West, even a tornado and a lion. He had a horse called “The Widowmaker” because every man who rode him who was not Bill got thrown off and killed, leaving his wife widowed. On the day of Bill’s wedding to Slue-Foot Sue, she insists on riding the Widowmaker. The horse threw Sue so high that she almost hit the moon and kept bouncing. Some say Bill shot her to keep her from starving, while others say Bill bounced to the moon with her and they raised their own family
origin story
Pecos Bill is a cowboy who personifies the American West and has larger-than-life experiences, which classifies his story as a tall tale. The originator of Pecos Bill is unknown, but its popularity is attributed to journalist Edward O’Reilly who first introduced the character in a 1923 Century Magazine article. He claims to have heard stories about Pecos Bill from cowboys and in his childhood and published many works with this character as the protagonist.
meanings
values of the American West
facing life’s challenges while never giving up
bravery in the face of danger
connection to nature
values of the American West
This tall tale highlights many traditional values in the American West, such as loyalty and companionship (mainly presented through his relationship with his horse, Widowmaker), resilience (highlighted through the many adversities Bill faced), and courage (shown with the description of Bill given in the tale, especially when it mentions that “he rode everything in the West, even lions and tornadoes”).
facing life’s challenges while never giving up
From the beginning of the story, Bill faces many challenges, such as being separated from his family, raised by coyotes, and having to adapt to civilization. Even though many rocks are placed in his path, he never gives up and becomes a legendary cowboy.
bravery in the face of danger
Bill is never once mentioned to run away because of fear, it is said that he once used a rattlesnake as his lasso and that he could ride everything, even cyclones.
connection to nature
this tale highlights many of nature’s elements. For example: animals like snakes, coyotes and horses, variations of weather, and the moon.
opinion
From my perspective, Pecos Bill is the perfect example of a tall tale. The storyline overall is unbelievable, and its elements get crazier as time passes. Pecos Bill includes many larger-than-life experiences, for example, the protagonist being raised by coyotes, using a snake as his lasso, riding lions and tornadoes, etc. Overall, I liked the story and its humorous, exaggerated nature. Even within the comedy, I believe it reflects a good message of perseverance and not giving up no matter how many challenges life throws at you.
modern influences
o Disney’s Melody Time: Pecos Bill (1957)
o Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café at Magic Kingdom (1971)
o Between the lions (2000)
