Which statement best contrasts Mattie's and Cogburn's approaches to justice?

• A. Mattie pursues legal reform while Cogburn relies on due process.
• B. Mattie pursues personal revenge for a moral cause, while Cogburn emphasizes pragmatic, sometimes violent justice.
• C. Mattie relies on formal courts, while Cogburn seeks mercy.
• D. Both avoid violence and rely on external authorities.

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is the contrast between justice driven by personal, moral obligation and justice carried out through practical, action-first law enforcement. Mattie acts from a deeply personal need to see her father’s killer held to account; her pursuit is morally tinted and aimed at ensuring Chaney pays for what he did. That motive shapes her approach as persistent, principled, and focused on righting a wrong she feels personally responsible to fix.

Cogburn, by contrast, embodies pragmatic justice. He’s a seasoned marshal who prioritizes getting results and enforcing the law, even when that means using force or bending rules to achieve an outcome. His method is about effectiveness and reality on the ground, not about a personal moral crusade.

So the best contrast is: Mattie pursues personal revenge framed as a moral obligation, while Cogburn emphasizes pragmatic, sometimes violent justice. This explains why the other ideas don’t fit: the situation isn’t about legal reform or due process, nor about relying on formal courts or mercy, and it certainly isn’t about avoiding violence.