“Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair.” A song about
remembering the past, perhaps with regret or loss,
it is closely associated with the Old South and
evokes the memories of Lucy Mallory and Hatfield:
the devastating Civil War, the uncertain westward
movement, the fragmented western territories,
and, in all of this, a yearning for a simpler time and
a woman with light brown hair.
Events The major events in Stagecoach—those
branching points in the plot structure that force
characters to choose between or among alternate
paths—include (in the order of the plot):
the passengers’ decision to leave Tonto in
spite of the Cavalry’s warning about Geronimo
and his troops [1].
Marshal Wilcox’s decision to let Ringo join the
party [2].
the passengers’ vote to leave the Dry Fork sta-
tion for Lordsburg, even though a relief unit of
cavalry has not yet arrived [3].
Dr. Boone’s willingness to sober up and deliver
the baby [4].
Dallas’s decision at the Apache Wells station
to accept Ringo’s proposal [5].
the group’s decision to delay departure from
Apache Wells until Lucy has rested from
childbirth and is ready to travel [6].
Ringo’s attempt to escape at Apache Wells [7].
the passengers’ decision at the burned-out
ferry landing to try to reach Lordsburg, even
though they realize that an Apache attack
may be imminent [8].162 CHAPTER 4 ELEMENTS OF NARRATIVE
1234Major events in StagecoachThese twelve images
illustrate the major events in John Ford’s Stagecoach
(characters are listed from left to right): [1] Peacock, Curly,
Hatfield, Lucy; [2] Buck, Curly, Ringo, cavalry captain;
[3] Dallas, Ringo, Lucy, Buck, Curly, Peacock, Gatewood,
Hatfield; [4] Curly, Peacock, Ringo; [5] Ringo and Dallas; [6]
Gatewood, Buck, Curly, Hatfield, Peacock; [7] Ringo; [8] Buck,
Curly, Dallas, Ringo; [9] Ringo; [10] cavalry flag bearer and
bugler; [11] Ringo and Curly; [12] Curly, Ringo, and Dallas.