The portrayal of the titular plain in the novel is an example of pathetic fallacy. Pathetic fallacy is a literary device in which inanimate objects and environments reflect the emotional state of the characters. The cowboys who populate the plain share many of its emotional qualities. The plain is sparse, brutal, and lonely. The cowboys who inhabit the land are sparse with their words, attuned to the violence of the land, and often lonelier than they would admit. The plain becomes an evocative echo of their emotional states that evolves and develops throughout the novel.

Despite the seemingly harsh conditions of the plain, life does find a way to thrive in the difficult environment. As such, the symbolic value of the plain becomes more nuanced as the narrative depicts more and more life in the environment. Like the hidden litter of wild dog puppies, the plain is home to a great deal of life. The wild dogs, the birds, and the other creatures are part of a vibrant ecosystem that hides within the apparent vastness of the environment. In the same way, the seemingly difficult lifestyles of the cowboys are rich and rewarding. They work hard, suffer, and feel lonely, but few would swap their jobs for anything else.