I needed a man, Call replied. I was hoping he might turn out to be a fighter. No, he's just a jailer, Billy said.
In "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry, the characters grapple with their needs and expectations from each other. Call expresses a longing for a partner who embodies strength and resilience, hoping he has found that in a man he references. However, Billy's response reveals disappointment, as he views this man not as a fighter but merely as someone who carries out the mundane task of keeping others imprisoned.
This exchange highlights the themes of disillusionment and the quest for true companionship. It underscores the complexities of their relationships and the desire for more profound connections, reflecting the characters' struggles amid their rugged lives in the West.
