Throughout the novel, various characters are impacted by societal ideals concerning the American Dream. This archetype emphasizes that the US is a unique nation because despite social status, citizens can, with hard work and determination, improve their status and achieve financial success. Rocky Rhodes is keenly aware that his father accomplished this though several lucrative business holdings and that, in keeping with the archetype, Rocky is expected to further grow his father’s businesses and become even more financially successful. For Rocky, however, the American Dream takes a different form: He opts to travel west, leaving his home and shirking his father’s goals for him. His building of the Three Chairs home in the inhospitable desert is Rocky’s proof of success. In addition, he holds strong feelings about the right to the water on his property. Because of his strongly held beliefs, he spends a lifetime battling the Los Angeles Department of Water.

Likewise, notions of the American Dream affect Schiff. He frequently dwells on his parents’ immigration and the way that, despite their being Jewish and thus outsiders of sorts, they worked to assimilate into American culture. In keeping with this

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now