Father and I Were Ranchers

Father and I Were Ranchers explores the American Dream and the Western settler ethos, portraying both its allure and its limitations. The American Dream refers to the pursuit of prosperity and self-sufficiency through hard work and hopes of achieving a better life for oneself and one’s family. This drives the Moody family to move to Bear Creek, Colorado. However, their pursuit is fraught with challenges, as the Moodys’s years of hard work are met with a series of setbacks that result in severe financial instability. This culminates in the forced sale of their ranch and a move to Littleton, where Ralph’s father shifts to contracting work. The forced sale of the Moody ranch bares the unpredictable nature of the American Dream, emphasizing both its initial promise and the cruel realities that often hinder its fulfillment. 

While the Moody’s experience moments of success, they also face significant hardships: near-death experiences, conflicts with neighbors, and natural disasters. These obstacles underscore the complexity of the American Dream, as it is not always accompanied by the pleasant outcomes it promises. Ultimately, the family’s trajectory emphasizes that the American Dream is as much about struggle as it is about aspiration. Ironically, the family leaves New England to improve Mr. Moody’s health, escaping the factory work that exacerbates his lung condition, yet his health continues to deteriorate in the West. The dream of a better, richer, and fuller life remains elusive, culminating in Mr. Moody’s death and challenging Ralph’s understanding of success and fulfillment in America.