This thesis deals with the generational shift and the question of the American Dream in the novels of Jeannette Walls. One extraordinary book by this American author is the "Glass Castle: A Memoir". This autobiography reveals shocking details of her childhood. The reader cannot believe that parents of four children are that inconsiderate to follow their own interests and neglect the little ones disregarding their basic needs like nourishment, a warm and clean shelter and the possibility of regular school attendance. For several years the family is of no fixed abode and roams through many American states. The children often go hungry and at school their mates mock them because of their worn-out clothes.
When the novel "Half Broke Horses" was published the reader might have hoped to get to know more about the family’s background and Jeannette’s mother Rose Mary who often treats her children heartlessly and acts selfishly. This novel is concerned with Lily, Jeannette’s grandmother. The reader learns a lot about her upbringing and her strict way of educating Rose Mary. Both novels, covering at least sixty years, also reflect the American history and values of that time.
The thesis, therefore, examines in how far one can speak of a generational shift regarding the women of the families and their role models. As all members of the family strive to reach their personal goals in life it also wants to find out which components of the American Dream are relevant to them and what they can realize.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Jeannette Walls and her family saga in consideration of the American Dream
- The American Dream: A Short Historical Background
- Jeannette Walls- a brief biography
- “Half Broke Horses”
- “The Glass Castle: A Memoir”
- The development of Lily Casey's character
- Her childhood and her parents' influence on her education
- Lily on her way to be an early feminist
- Lily's marriage to Jim
- Lily a possible role model for other women
- The relationship between mother and daughter and the family
- Rex and Rose Mary's methods of education and values of life- their way of bringing up their four children in “The Glass Castle
- The relationship between Rex and Rose Mary including their visions and hopes for the family
- Symbols and metaphors in Rex's and Rose Mary's world
- The parents' attitude towards status, education and work
- Jeannette's preposterous childhood between weaponry, alcohol and unfulfilled wishes for freedom
- “The Glass Castle” as a symbol of the American Dream
- Conclusion
- Generational shift concerning educational concepts of Lily, Rose Mary and Jeannette
- How the American Dream comes to reality in both novels
- My personal comment
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis explores the concept of generational shift and the pursuit of the American Dream in the novels of Jeannette Walls. By examining the family saga of Jeannette Walls, the study aims to analyze the changing perspectives on education and societal values across generations, with particular focus on the experiences of women within the family. It delves into the individual aspirations and challenges faced by each member of the family, exploring how their attempts to achieve the American Dream align with the historical context and evolving definition of the ideal.
- Generational shift in educational values and beliefs
- The American Dream as a motivating force for personal achievement
- The influence of parental upbringing on children's aspirations
- The experiences of women in pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment
- The complexities of family relationships and individual journeys towards self-discovery
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introductory chapter lays out the thesis's focus on the generational shift and the American Dream in the works of Jeannette Walls, establishing the significance of these themes through personal reflections and a brief overview of Walls' autobiographical works.
Chapter two provides a comprehensive exploration of the American Dream, tracing its historical background and evolution. This section also offers a biographical sketch of Jeannette Walls, highlighting her personal journey and the context that informs her writings.
Chapter three delves into the development of Lily Casey's character, examining her childhood, education, and pursuit of personal fulfillment. This chapter focuses on Lily's evolving feminist consciousness and her role as a potential role model for other women.
Chapter four analyzes Rex and Rose Mary's educational methods and values, highlighting their distinct approaches to raising their children. This chapter explores the symbolism and metaphors that shape their worldview and their children's experiences. It also examines their perspectives on status, education, and work, shedding light on the challenges their children face in their pursuit of stability and fulfillment.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis explores the evolving definition of the American Dream, generational shift, and the role of family relationships in shaping individual aspirations. It focuses on the experiences of women and their pursuit of education and self-realization within the context of a changing society. Key concepts include parental influence, feminist consciousness, societal values, and the complexities of individual journeys towards personal and professional fulfillment.
- Citar trabajo
- Jenny Brocker (Autor), 2014, Generational shift and the American Dream in the Novels of Jeannette Walls, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/430138
