There’s a scene in the civil war movie Cold Mountain where an old mountain lady, Maddy, having saved soldier Inman’s life, prepares to feed him goat meat.

Maddy: See. I think there’s a plan. There’s a design for each and every one of us. You look at nature. Bird flies somewhere, picks up a seed, shits the seed out, plant grows. Bird’s got a job. Shit’s got a job. Seed’s got a job. And you’ve got a job.

Inman: But, I’m a deserter. If they find me here things could be bad for you.

Maddy: What are they gonna do? Cut short me young life?

Maddy [she lovingly strokes the goat’s head and ears, like one would a beloved dog. The goat closes his eyes and revels in the attention]: I’ve learned a person can pretty much survive off a goat. A goat gives you company, and milk, and cheese… and when you need it, good meat.”

Maddy punctures the goat’s throat with a knife and the animal falls lifeless in her hands.