In this chapter, we find out that John Grady's parents are only recently divorced, although they have been separated for nearly John Grady's entire life. His mother may have planned to sell her father's property after his death all along. We know that the lawyer John Grady consults says there is nothing to be done, and that same lawyer had warned John Grady's father about signing the divorce papers because he knew that to do so would be to give up his rights to the land. So both of John Grady's parents may be partially responsible for the outcome.
But we must also wonder about the role of John Grady's grandfather in the unfortunate conclusion to the family ranch. We know that he defended both his son-in-law and his daughter — the daughter in fights against gossipers and the son-in-law when he was reported missing in the war. How could such a man with so much caring for his family, of whom everyone is so fond, not plan for the ranch's future? Was he unable to plan for the future because he was paralyzed by the deaths of his seven younger brothers? Did he not know what to do with his land because he had no sons? He must have known his daughter would not keep the ranch, and how could he not see his son-in-law's problems and weaknesses? Did it occur to him to provide for his namesake, his grandson John Grady? Perhaps fatalism plays a role in the grandfather's indifference. Often, one hears a defeated, aging person say, "Well, I don't care what happens to this ranch, or farm, after I die." The Grady family story is a warning to others that if you love the land, you must plan for its future. The American Dream isn't just about acquiring land and fortune and assuming that it will be passed down as one wishes to the next generation. The land, and ownership of it, is a trust; providing for its future is as important as proper grazing techniques and keeping up the fences. Indeed, the American Dream should not just be about providing money for one's heirs. The greatest legacy would be to save the land for future generations' contented enjoyment. Apparently, Grandfather Grady did not have the vision to do this.
