In Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove," a notable quote captures a poignant moment in the narrative. The statement reflects on the character's observations about their father's actions during funerals. It suggests that the father is typically practical and perhaps unfeeling, but this time he exhibits uncommon care and effort in the burial process, indicating a deeper emotional connection or significance to this particular loss.
This contrast highlights the themes of mortality, grief, and the complexities of human relationships within the story. The son's remark underscores the weight of the moment, emphasizing that not all deaths are treated the same, and that some hold a more profound impact on those left behind. This careful attention to detail in the burial serves as a metaphor for the characters' struggles and their intertwined lives in the harsh realities of the Old West.