Everything's bigger in Texas, including the churches—so where has God gotten to in No Country for Old Men?
Way to ask the tough questions, Shmoopers. Sheriff Bell would like to think there's a God pulling the strings on all the stuff that's going on around him, but it's hard to believe so when all he sees is senseless violence. Anton Chigurh, on the other hand, accepts total randomness as the only truth in life, which is its own sort of spiritual code. In the end, Chigurh, randomly creamed in a car accident, might be the victim of his own beliefs. So what's left? If we take the end of the movie as a guide, it might be up to each of us to find a little fire to carry around.
(Metaphorically, guys. Leave the lighters at home.)
Questions about Spirituality
- Do you think this movie has a hopeful ending? Why or why not?
- If this movie wants us to ask one major spiritual question, what is it? Why?
- What do you think Sheriff Bell's friend means when he says, "It's the dismal tide. It is not the one thing"?
- Would you believe in God if you experienced the things that the characters of No Country for Old Men do? Why?
Chew on This
In No Country for Old Men, we learn that there probably is a God. He just has a really messed up sense of humor.
No Country for Old Men shows us that the only way to survive in a violent world is to throw spirituality out the window and accept things as they are.