Describe Joe leap horn - Essay Example

Joe Leap Horn Chapter 2 of the book, “A Thief of Time” introduces Joe Leap Horn.” Tony Hillerman created Joe Leap Horn as a fictional character to describe the cultural milieu of the Anasazi. The books describe Joe Leap Horn as a gallant Lieutenant in the Navajo Tribal Police (Hillerman 64). The character is dark brown in complexion and is past 50 years old. Chapter 2 depicts Joe Leap Horn as a bewildered and grieving law enforcement officer who has just lost his wife. Joe Leap Horn had lost hope and interest in life and in his job after his wife’s death.

The chapter shows how L.D. Thatcher came to Joe’s aid by seeking his help in investigating a heinous crime. Joe agrees to live the house and accompany Thatcher for the investigation. The chapter presents Joe Leaphorn as a complex character who accommodates the Navajo traditions and the western thinking. Joe studied at assimilationist schools where he specialized in cultural anthropology though he did not like it (Hillerman 68). He dropped his academic pursuit and joined Navajo Tribal Police to be close to his wife, Emma.

He lacked a deep connection with Anasazi culture and adopted the western way of thinking. However, he respected the Navajo rituals and the society had immense respect for him. Apparently, the balance between respect for traditions and modernity depicts Joe as a fascinating character. The chapter presents Joe as an intuitive and dedicated cop who knew the terrain very well thus becoming significant in criminal investigations. Indeed, the chapter ends by showing how Joe Leap Horn succeeded in unearthing the mystery behind the Houk killings.

Works CitedHillerman, Tony. A Thief of Time. New York: HarperCollins, 2009. Print.