Thinking back to Shane, life in the West was quite isolated compared to the way we live now, when many people pass by our homes during the day. during the late 1800s many people moved west, but there were no areas as densely populated as those in the east. This isolation felt in the West plays a role in the Starretts' acceptance of a lone stranger into their home. The fact that not many passed by their house is why the Starretts were welcoming to this man who could have been dangerous. However, they soon discovered that he was a respectable man and posed no danger to them. Shane impressed each of the Starretts with his skill and charm that made him someone not to be afraid of, but modeled after. One of Shane's most respectable qualities at the Starretts was his loyalty to help them in their time of need. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Loyalty is one of the overarching topics that struck me while reading Shane because it played a role in his interactions with the Starretts. Early in the book, after Shane's arrival, Joe Starrett says to Bob and Marian, "It's dangerous, sure... But not for us, my dear... In fact, I don't think you've ever had a safest man in your house." .”(Shaefer 10). This comment made by Joe shows that he recognizes that Shane is a respectable man who, although he may kill, would not harm those who were kind to him. Joe and Shane quickly become good friends when they see the man they want is reflected in each other. Together they manage to complete the difficult task of digging up the stump and dealing with Fletcher who has become a threat to the city as he tries to take over all the farmers which is why they are able to stand up to Fletcher In addition to Joe's loyalty to Shane, Marian is faced with a dilemma that tests her loyalty to Joe as she develops feelings for Shane after dressing Shane's wounds, Joe doesn't get mad at her as many would expect. Instead he says, “Don't worry, Marian, man enough to know better when her tracks cross mine. Whatever happens, everything will be fine. (Schaefer 102). It's interesting that he reacts this way since many stories dramatize any infidelity by having a character become jealous, hurt, or angry when another person is introduced. Joe's reaction is peaceful and accepting of the situation as he too recognized the respectable qualities in Shane that attracted Marian. Marian's tears are caused by her feelings toward Shane that conflict with being a devoted wife to Joe. Ultimately, it is important to recognize the Starrett family's loyalty to Shane's memory. After Shane leaves, Joe decides that they should move on too. Marian is against this as she states that "we have roots here now that we can never break away from." (Schaefer 149). The roots that the Starrett family was able to create are due to Shane's efforts to protect them from Fletcher. Marian recognizes that if they left after everything that happened, Shane's efforts would be in vain. To respect Shane's memory, they must stay on their ranch because the Starretts are the only ones in town who know Shane's true story. The loyalty that each of these characters had towards each other sets an example for Bob of how one should act. As Bob tells it, he saw his father and Shane succeed in digging out the stump that his father was unable to do on his own and stand up to Fletcher. These things,.