Our Books So Far

The books we've read in this class seem to be centered on the same general concept: Americanism. (Although Americanism probably isn't actually a word, I think it is perfect for what the definition I've given it: of or pertaining to the culture, ideals, or actions of individuals or the government of the United States of America.) American ideals have been emphasized in every book, from The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, to Inherit the Wind, to Fahrenheit 451. The main theme is how American ideals appear to live in any circumstances. In Ethan Frome, the ideals of romanticism and following one's heart are epitomized, although the ending is rather tragic. In The Bean Trees, family values were affirmed and self-reliance was praised.

In every book there was at least one ideal that gave proof to the fundamental block of American culture: Individualism. People were their own masters, had their own thoughts, made their own choices. None were confined to the will or beliefs of another.

And perhaps that is the true American dream: to be personally in charge of your own life, to whatever extent you wish.

J. Alfred Prufrock Students

I haven't seen any real J. Alfred Prufrocks at Gunderson as far as I know. I don't know everybody well enough to talk about what they believe or what their outlooks on life. Where I used to live, though, there were several of them. The people were usually depressed, never motivated to do anything, and had the hardest time with self-esteem that I'd ever seen.

Honestly, I can't understand those people. I've never had self-esteem issues. It's not that I'm arrogant; I'm not the best and I know it. I've just never been depressed by the idea of waking up and being me. People who are shy, quiet, and unconfident are the people I cannot empathize with, because I have never really felt their pain. The only guess I can venture for why they never really fall in love is that people can't fall in love with people who can't learn to love themselves. J. Alfred Prufrock's problem is that instead of looking at what he has and being grateful for it, he looks at what he doesn't have, what he's lost, and what he's going to lose, and he despairs.

The American Dream

The American Dream does exist, but it isn't the fairy tale it used to be. People are more educated to exactly what is available in the United States today. Sure, we have racial and gender equality and the ability to change social classes through hard work or simple luck, but we definitely lack the idealism of previous eras. Today, we have high taxes, labor laws, insurance issues, and the realities of hard labor. People understand that to ascend social classes, they'll have to beat many others trying to accomplish the same feat.