Half Broke Horses

by

Jeannette Walls

Dorothy Clemens Character Analysis

Zachary Clemens’ daughter, Dorothy is described as a big-boned young woman who is not afraid to get her hands dirty doing work on the ranch. She finds Dad’s four Great Danes shot dead, and later convinces him not to shoot Old Man Pucket over this; her own brother was shot and killed following a feud over a game of horseshoes. Dorothy later marries Buster and effectively runs the KC Ranch.
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Dorothy Clemens Character Timeline in Half Broke Horses

The timeline below shows where the character Dorothy Clemens appears in Half Broke Horses. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2 
Women’s Strength in a Man’s World Theme Icon
The Caseys have brought in tenant farmer Zachary Clemens, his wife, and daughter, Dorothy, to help out on the ranch. Lily admires Dorothy’s work ethic. One day Dorothy finds... (full context)
Women’s Strength in a Man’s World Theme Icon
...having already achieved a higher education than most out West. Lily notices that he and Dorothy like each other and observes that he would need someone hardworking like Dorothy beside him... (full context)
Chapter 3 
...though in good condition, and she notices how much older her family looks. Buster and Dorothy are now married, and the latter basically runs the ranch. Mom frets about Helen, who... (full context)
Chapter 4
Women’s Strength in a Man’s World Theme Icon
Poverty and the American Dream Theme Icon
Technology and Progress Theme Icon
Connection to Nature Theme Icon
...many cars in Santa Fe, things have changed little back at the ranch. Buster and Dorothy have children, Mom seems frail, and Helen is working as a clerk in Los Angeles.... (full context)
Chapter 7
Women’s Strength in a Man’s World Theme Icon
Poverty and the American Dream Theme Icon
...of gasoline. Mom has died while Lily was studying in Phoenix, and now Buster and Dorothy have put Dad in a nursing home. Dad begs Lily to come see him before... (full context)