Many literary works deal with the positive and negative aspects of the American dream. One of these literary works which deals with the negative aspects of the American dream is "Tortilla Flat" by John Steinbeck. The book is about a group of societal marginal figures, which do not have any interest in becoming rich and famous and they take their life as it comes.
For them, friendship and freedom are more important than wealth and therefore they represent the counterpart of the American dream. But there are also characters in the book, which believe in the American dream and who strive for wealth and reputation. That is why "Tortilla Flat" provides a good contrast of the proponents and opponents of the American dream.
In this research paper I will analyse the main characters of “Tortilla Flat” and compare them to the American dream. First of all I will explain what the American dream really is. Afterwards I will give a short summary of the plot of the book and an overview of the historical background. Then I will show the western frontier in the book, which is also part of the American dream. After that I will analyse the main characters of "Tortilla Flat": Women, Torelli and the paisanos. Finally I will give a short conclusion.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is the American Dream?
- Plot and Historical Background
- The Western Frontier in Tortilla Flat
- Characters
- Women
- Torelli
- Danny and his friends
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper analyzes the main characters of John Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat" and compares them to the concept of the American Dream. It explores the multifaceted nature of the American Dream, examining both its idealistic promises and its often-disappointing realities. The paper aims to contrast the characters' perspectives and lifestyles with the traditional expectations associated with the American Dream.
- The definition and historical evolution of the American Dream.
- The portrayal of the American Dream in "Tortilla Flat".
- The contrasting lifestyles of the characters in relation to the American Dream.
- The significance of the Western Frontier as a component of the American Dream.
- The role of friendship and freedom versus wealth and ambition.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter lays the groundwork for the entire paper. It establishes the central theme of comparing the characters in Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat" to the American Dream. The author introduces the core concept of the American Dream as a multifaceted ideal, encompassing both its positive and negative aspects, and highlights "Tortilla Flat" as a text that examines the negative aspects of this dream through its depiction of societal outcasts. The introduction clearly outlines the paper's structure and methodology, setting the stage for a comprehensive analysis of the characters within the context of the American Dream.
What is the American Dream?: This chapter delves into a detailed exploration of the American Dream, tracing its historical evolution from its early conception to its modern interpretations. It unpacks the various facets of the dream, such as individualism, materialism, progress, success through hard work, and freedom. The chapter cites historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and scholarly works to provide a nuanced understanding of the dream's complexities, revealing the disconnect between its idealistic promises and the realities faced by many who sought to achieve it. The chapter concludes by acknowledging the inherent ambiguity of the American Dream and its evolving definitions across time and individual experiences. This sets the stage for analyzing how Steinbeck’s characters interact with this evolving and complex ideal.
Plot and Historical Background: This chapter provides context by situating Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat" within its historical and literary context. It establishes the novel as a work of critical realism from the 1930s, noting the prevalent social and economic realities of the time. This contextualization helps to further analyze the characters’ experiences and their relationship with the prevailing social and economic systems, adding a depth of understanding to the analysis that follows. By understanding the broader context, the reader can more effectively analyze the characters' choices and their relation to the American Dream.
The Western Frontier in Tortilla Flat: This chapter examines the representation of the Western Frontier in "Tortilla Flat" and its connection to the American Dream. It explores how the novel uses the imagery of the frontier to symbolize both the promise and the disillusionment associated with this iconic aspect of American identity. The chapter analyzes the symbolic meaning of the frontier in the novel, exploring how it relates to themes of freedom, individualism, and the pursuit of a better life. This analysis will provide an insightful commentary on how Steinbeck uses this symbol to further convey the complexities of the American Dream and its implications for the characters.
Keywords
American Dream, John Steinbeck, Tortilla Flat, societal marginalization, individualism, materialism, freedom, friendship, critical realism, Western Frontier, success, disillusionment.
John Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat": A Research Paper Overview - FAQ
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This research paper analyzes the characters in John Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat" in relation to the American Dream. It explores how the characters' lives and perspectives contrast with traditional notions of the American Dream, examining both its idealistic promises and its often disappointing realities.
What themes are explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including the definition and historical evolution of the American Dream, its portrayal in "Tortilla Flat," the contrasting lifestyles of the characters, the significance of the Western Frontier in the context of the American Dream, and the interplay between friendship and freedom versus wealth and ambition.
What aspects of the American Dream are examined?
The paper examines the multifaceted nature of the American Dream, considering its various facets such as individualism, materialism, progress, success through hard work, and freedom. It traces the historical evolution of this concept and highlights the disconnect between its idealized promises and the realities experienced by many.
How does the paper analyze the characters in "Tortilla Flat"?
The paper analyzes the main characters of "Tortilla Flat," comparing their lives and choices to the ideals of the American Dream. It considers how their perspectives and actions reflect or challenge the conventional understanding of success and fulfillment within the context of American society.
What is the role of the Western Frontier in the analysis?
The paper examines the symbolic representation of the Western Frontier in "Tortilla Flat" and its connection to the American Dream. It explores how the imagery of the frontier symbolizes both the promise and disillusionment associated with this iconic aspect of American identity.
What is the structure of the research paper?
The paper is structured with an introduction, a chapter defining the American Dream, a chapter on the plot and historical context of "Tortilla Flat," a chapter analyzing the Western Frontier's role, a chapter focusing on the characters, and a concluding chapter. It also includes a table of contents and a list of keywords.
What kind of methodology is used in the paper?
The paper uses a comparative analysis approach, contrasting the characters' lives and perspectives with the historical and evolving understanding of the American Dream. It employs critical realism to interpret the novel within its historical and social context.
What are the key takeaways of the research paper?
The paper aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the American Dream and its complexities, as seen through the lens of Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat." It explores how the characters' experiences illuminate the gap between the ideal and the reality of pursuing the American Dream, particularly for marginalized groups.
What are the keywords associated with this research paper?
Key words include: American Dream, John Steinbeck, Tortilla Flat, societal marginalization, individualism, materialism, freedom, friendship, critical realism, Western Frontier, success, disillusionment.
- Quote paper
- Anne-Karen Fischer (Author), 2008, John Steinbeck's "Tortilla Flat". The main characters and their relation with the American Dream, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/424089
