In this excerpt from "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy, a character, presumably a judge, asserts the truth of God’s words compared to the misleading nature of books. He emphasizes that God's communication comes through the natural world, represented by stones and trees, suggesting a profound connection between nature and divine truth. The squatters, dressed in rags, listen and begin to accept this man's intellectual musings, seeing him as a figure of authority within this new perspective. However, the judge's demeanor shifts when he mocks them for their gullibility. Despite leading them to accept his ideas with fervor, he reveals a lack of respect, viewing them as naive followers. This reflects the judge's complex nature, embodying both a teacher and a trickster, illustrating themes of belief, truth, and manipulation within the narrative.

In this excerpt from "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy, a character, presumably a judge, asserts the truth of God’s words compared to the misleading nature of books. He emphasizes that God's communication comes through the natural world, represented by stones and trees, suggesting a profound connection between nature and divine truth. The squatters, dressed in rags, listen and begin to accept this man's intellectual musings, seeing him as a figure of authority within this new perspective.

However, the judge's demeanor shifts when he mocks them for their gullibility. Despite leading them to accept his ideas with fervor, he reveals a lack of respect, viewing them as naive followers. This reflects the judge's complex nature, embodying both a teacher and a trickster, illustrating themes of belief, truth, and manipulation within the narrative.