My favorite question was : How does the fight scene contribute to John Grady Cole’s development into the typical Western hero?

The western cowboy character reveals himself through John Grady after the cafeteria assassin tries to kill him. Although he did not want to kill the assassin, John Grady showed his ability to handle whatever comes at him, just like a western cowboy should be able to. Under discretion, he takes out his opponent with the convenient knife that he previously purchased.