# How does The Life of Buffalo Bill develop the theme of The American West as a Land of Opportunity?

> The Life of Buffalo Bill by William F. Cody

## Answer

The Life of Buffalo Bill by William F. Cody develops The American West as a Land of Opportunity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The West is depicted as a place of economic promise, where a boy can rise from humble beginnings to wealth and fame through hard work, hunting contracts, cattle ranching, and show business.

Cody sees the high wages ($40 per month in gold) and the chance to work as an extra hand as a great opportunity, despite the risks. The freighting business offers a path to independence and adventure.

Cody and Rose's attempt to found a town and become millionaires illustrates the speculative boom-and-bust cycle of frontier enterprise.

Cody secures a lucrative contract as a buffalo hunter, demonstrating the economic opportunities available in the West.

## Evidence

- [v-in-business](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/v-in-business.md): Cody sees the high wages ($40 per month in gold) and the chance to work as an extra hand as a great opportunity, despite the risks. The freighting business offers a path to independence and adventure.
- [xiii-a-millionaire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/xiii-a-millionaire.md): Cody and Rose's attempt to found a town and become millionaires illustrates the speculative boom-and-bust cycle of frontier enterprise.
- [xiv-earning-a-title](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/xiv-earning-a-title.md): Cody secures a lucrative contract as a buffalo hunter, demonstrating the economic opportunities available in the West.
- [xx-an-exciting-chase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/xx-an-exciting-chase.md): The theft and resale of government stock highlight the economic opportunism and lawlessness that characterized frontier life.
- [xxvi-sightseeing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/xxvi-sightseeing.md): Cody's journey East and his reception by wealthy and influential people illustrate how his Western exploits opened doors in Eastern society.
- [xxvii-honors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/xxvii-honors.md): Cody's election to the legislature and his role as a celebrated guide for wealthy hunters illustrate the West as a place for personal advancement and fame.
- [xxviii-an-actor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/xxviii-an-actor.md): The success of the play demonstrates how the myth of the West could be commodified for national audiences.
- [xxxii-conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/xxxii-conclusion.md): Buffalo Bill's cattle ranching and show business ventures exemplify the economic opportunities available in the West.

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