Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Setting
Set in the American West in 1823, The Revenant depicts a transitional period for the American frontier. With the U.S. continuing its encroachment from the east, and with local tribes preparing for...
What's Up With the Title?
This one isn't anything fancy: a "revenant" is someone who has returned from the dead, either literally or figuratively. As it happens, this meaning gels perfectly with the book, as Glass is presum...
What's Up With the Epigraph?
Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.-ROM. 12:19At first, this epigraph seems like a classic case of Pulp Fict...
What's Up With the Ending?
In a way, The Revenant has two endings, each of them centering on an important decision.The first sees Glass deciding whether he will continue pursuing Fitzgerald or give up on his revenge quest. G...
Tough-o-Meter
While some historical context would certainly be useful when approaching The Revenant, the novel is pretty breezy read. The plot moves at a consistent pace, and the action is presented in a clear a...