Question #11004. Asked by Sandy.
Last updated Oct 02 2016.
Edna Ferber, like James Michener, seemed to glory in writing historical melodramas. In "Giant" she single-handedly takes on Texas. Her bigger than life characters (of whom she believes Texas is made) are unforgetable: Bick Benedict, the cattle baron, and his beautiful wife Leslie from Virginia gentry; Jett Rink, the irrascible youngster who finally strikes oil and becomes obsessed with revenge; Bick's sister Luz and other assorted relatives; to all the other lesser characters--unique that they are! It is Ferber's view on how Texas became Texas. She steers us through the whole complexity of West Texas life--especially the Riata, the never-ending Benedict ranch. She also takes time to address many social issues, especially the treatment of migrant workers and the social discrimination of the time.