An Analysis of Anton Chigurh's Belief in Fate in 'No Country for Old Men'

Introduction

Anton Chigurh, the chilling antihero of Cormac McCarthy's No Country for Old Men, is often described as an agent of fate or destiny. This essay delves into the basis of his belief and the philosophical underpinnings of such an idea, ultimately revealing its fallacy and the broader, grim message conveyed by McCarthy.

Anton Chigurh's Illusion of Fate

Anton Chigurh's conviction that he is the hand of fate arises from a warped sense of purpose and Agency. He makes this belief up and convinces himself that his actions play a significant role in the unfolding events. However, the truth is far grimmer: he is merely a pawn in the vast and uncaring universe, an instrument of the randomness of fate rather than its agent.

Randomness and Uncertainty

At the end of his journey, we see Chigurh's luck proves pivotal in his survival. Moss not shooting through the door, the first officer's lack of vigilance, and the accident's lack of incapacitating consequences all contribute to his eventual capture of $2 million. In the end, fate—or rather, randomness—has played a far more significant role in his success than any grand scheme of 'fate' or 'destiny.'

The Foolishness of Chigurh's Principles

Chigurh's principles, like any other belief, are as foolish as any other when scrutinized in the broad context of reality. His insistence on moral absolutes and his ritualistic killing methods are symptoms of a broken soul seeking validation in a universe that does not offer it. The universe, much like fate in human perception, has no plan or objective beyond existence itself, and the randomness of events is, in fact, the norm.

Llewelyn Moss: A Parallel to Chigurh's Beliefs

Llewelyn Moss, a character who shares some similarities with Chigurh, met his downfall in a purposeless action. Moss, like Chigurh, is a man caught in the futility of his actions. Yet, this does not mean that Cormac McCarthy subscribed to nihilism. Instead, McCarthy comments on the inherent human drive to find meaning, causality, and positive outcomes in our lives, despite the universe's indifference.

Existentialist Themes

The existentialist themes in No Country for Old Men explore the vacuousness of human efforts to find meaning in a world devoid of purpose. Characters like Llewelyn Moss and Ed Tom Bell grapple with the realization that life is ultimately meaningless, leading to confusion, despair, and emotional exhaustion.

Ed Tom Bell's Struggle and Message

Ed Tom Bell embodies the complexities of human struggle. Stricken with war guilt and a belief in justice, he finds himself at a crossroads. During his conversation with cousin Ellis, Bell is confronted with the harsh reality: the violence, sorrow, and struggles of life are not new, and society cannot stop what is coming. However, Bell refuses to retire, recognizing the need for someone to continue the fight against despair.

The Call for Action

Ed Tom Bell's refusal to surrender to despair is a powerful message in and of itself. Despite the futility of his actions, he remains driven to make a difference. This is central to the theme of existentialism and action in the face of an indifferent universe. Bell's actions represent an attempt to find meaning in the absence of it, much like the futile search by other characters in the novel.

In conclusion, while Anton Chigurh's belief in his role as the hand of fate is ultimately misguided, it is a pivotal element in exploring the themes of randomness, purpose, and the search for meaning in both literature and life. McCarthy's message is clear: there is no grand plan, and the randomness of fate is a reflection of the universe's indifference. However, the characters in No Country for Old Men, through their own struggles and actions, show that one's purpose can still be found in the face of such a bleak reality.