The Searchers: Ethan's Change of Heart

 SPOILER ALERT: In the end Ethan changes his mind and decides to spare Debbie. My question is why? I have my theories but I want to know the real reason Frank S. Nugent the writer of The Searchers decided that Ethan should save Debbie in the end. 

My theory is that there was something in Debbie that reminded Ethan of her mother, Martha. As we can see in the beginning of the film there is a deep affection, possibly even romantic love, between Ethan and Martha. I think that when Ethan truly looked at Debbie as grown up as she was five years after having been kidnapped, he saw a reflection of Martha. When Ethan sees the resemblance between Martha and the now much grown, but still younger Debbie there is a moment that I believe is a deja-vu type moment for Ethan, causing him to decide to save Debbie instead of kill her. 

Comments

  1. MalachiNovember 1, 2020 at 7:34 PM

    Hey Alex!

    Just wanted to comment briefly on your reply! I really like your theory, and it definitely made me think and reflect back onto the movie as to how such a theory could come to life. It makes sense Ethan would be reminded of his mother when he comes to the life or death situation with Debbie. There has to be a reason, and this could just as well be one of them.

    Super cool theory and way of thinking! Now that you point it out, it totally makes sense and I feel a little less upset with the plot-hole it left in the film as to why Debbie was spared.

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