The Road Trip

Will Landschulz

Am. Lit Per. 2

Mrs. LaMagdeleine

Eustace goes on his road trip with his brother Judson to maintain the preservation of the American cowboy icon, which Judson is fine with because he likes the feel of that icon.  This puts forward some key differences between the brothers.  Eustace is driven, speeding ahead at 50 mph while the others-a friend of Judson’s joins them in the endeavor – try and take in the view.  Judson is relaxed, wanting to take in the scenery at a leisurely pace.  Needless to say, these viewpoints clash.  It comes to a head in Arizona, at a fork in the road.  Judson and his friend want to take a scenic shortcut down into a nearby canyon.  Eustace wants to go along the highway, because it is slower, but safer.  In fact, he refuses to go with them on that canyon trip point-blank.  They split up, and rejoin later on.  Judson is mad at the breakup, as well as Eustace’s unbending discipline.  Eustace believes he was right, because Judson’s horse was limping after they emerged from the underbrush.