As war becomes dishonored and its nobility called into question those honorable men who recognize the sanctity of blood will become excluded from the dance, which is the warrior's right, and thereby will the dance become a false dance and the dancers false dancers.
In "Blood Meridian," Cormac McCarthy explores the themes of honor and the nature of war. He suggests that as the glory traditionally associated with warfare fades, those who hold a deep respect for honor and the sanctity of life will be marginalized. This exclusion transforms the warrior's role, making the struggle for nobility appear false and insincere. The author warns that when honorable men leave the battlefield, the essence of what it means to be a warrior diminishes. The traditional values tied to conflict become overshadowed by dishonor, resulting in a misleading representation of courage and valor. Ultimately, this shift leads to a distorted perception of warfare and the individuals who partake in it.
