The cowboy myth has been present for many decades, fulfilling its purpose in reuniting the U.S. under the 'perfect' American and its ideals. It emphasizes independence, masculinity, and perseverance. John Ford's film The Searcher over exaggerates the racism found in most cowboy stories, but besides that does not challenge the almost 'pure' myth. It keeps the romanticized image, unlike Cormac McCarthy's All the Pretty Horses. While McCarthy in essence retains some of the idealistic details, he introduces realistic overtones such as consequences of violence, as well as a 'mortal' and overall conscientious protagonist.
Mark Twain’s seminal novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, deserves to be included in the canon of great American literature due to its pioneering use of common speech, its daring relationship between Huck and Jim, and the moral progress made by Huck despite the failure of the ending. Its “radical autonomy” (Bollinger 32) helps define modern American literature, which makes it “one of the central documents of American culture” (Trilling 1). At this time in American history, many believed that “the mark of a truly literary product was a grandiosity and elegance not to be found in the common speech” (Trilling 6). Twain’s use of common speech and a number of dialects help the reader make connections to each character and arrive at conclusions about them. Huckleberry Finn begins, “You don’t know me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain’t no matter” (Twain 7).
Through the bildungsroman novel Catcher in the Rye and film Igby Goes Down, the composers Salinger and Steers examine their society’s emphasis on conformity, prosperity and relationships and the effects they have on youth. Through a variety of literary and film techniques, such as juxtaposition, symbolism and camera angles, both Salinger and Steers explore the values of their respective 1950’s and early 21st century societies. The 1950’s American society and the modern American society both hold conformity in very high regard. Both societies had a deep focus on collectivism, with societal conventions encouraging all to “unify and simplify”. Both Catcher in the Rye and Igby Goes Down are a clear representation of the youth rejecting the value of conformity in their contextual societies.
He had a great sense of humor, and loved playing jokes on his friends. Being a devout Catholic, whenever he had trouble composing, he would go to his rosary, seeking guidance, which was always effective. Haydn had good character, which was seen in his music (History Reference Center 6). Being an ideal man of the Enlightenment helped to further Haydn’s career as a composer. Being an Austrian composer during the Enlightenment, Haydn began to create new musical ideas.
Indulgence Comes With Strength In society, the actions of more powerful people are tolerated and respected. One has once said, “The strong do as they wish.” This quote can be proved by the actions of characters in the novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. For example, Huck’s father who has authority over Huck engages in violent acts and is somehow tolerated. Furthermore, the power of superstition allows for a slave named Nat to rise to stardom and Tom Sawyer, who is seen as morally powerful, is worshipped by Huck. Not only does physical strength allow the characters act as they desire, but also moral strength and the age in society.
The enthusiasm of winning the war and the confidence that it would be over by Christmas was very high. His deep love of his Country is very moving and the respect he shows for the English people is quite evident. This sonnet encompasses the memoirs of a deceased soldier who declares his patriotism to his homeland by declaring that his sacrifice will be the eternal ownership of England of a small portion of land upon which he
Our journey begins in 1840, the American renaissance. The works of emerging writers and artists in the pre-civil war period made up what we know today as the American renaissance, the blooming of American art and literature that was unlike that of any other country. America was flourishing in its own developing culture, art, music, and literature, it reflected the basis of American beliefs and unique attitudes. In that, the Lyceum Movement emerged, the followers of this movement stood for the educational rights of all people. Sympathizers believed in education continuing through the entirety of one’s lifetime for any and all people.
American culture and society seem to have a natural affinity for progressive thought, ideals, and systems, an affinity whose roots can be seen in our cultural attitudes of industry, expansion, and success. Perhaps it is due to this glorification of originality that the journeys of self-discovery seen in Thoreau’s Walden and Krakauer’s Into the Wild are so wildly popular (for the most part) with the American population. Walden is Thoreau’s account of the two years during which he retreated to nature to “live deliberately,” and the book acts as both a how-to guide and a carefully constructed detailing of Thoreau’s philosophical system (Thoreau 1854, 74). Into the Wild depicts Chris McCandless’s modern-day journey across America and into the
However, The Great Gatsby seems to be celebrating the energy of those seeking the American dream in the person of the main protagonist; the romantic and wealthy, but vulgar and criminal Jay Gatsby. If Nick Carraway can be considered authorial, then his admiration for Gatsby’s ability to reinvent himself and to be borne along by a romantic passion is a reflection of Fitzgeralds admiration for the strength of the new world. The play, in contrast, shows the excitement and evolution of the American dream, and the decline of the old world, especially because it is set after the end of the second world war, when there was a high level of patriotism amongst Americans. It shows the inevitability of the demise of the old world along with its old traditions, represented by Blanche Dubois, and the rise of the
And they finally become classical. In my opinion, American popular culture has some positive features. For instance, it takes in various cultural elements and advocates the individuality as well as spirit of innovation. It is those features that make it one of the most-sought-after cultures all over the world. Then what should we do with the American popular culture?