American Themes

A detailed Summary of American Themes


Literary works reflect the main ideas of the American mind. An American theme that is seen in various works of literature is individuality. Individuality is expressed in three different literary works from Frost, Chopin, and Paine. These works of literature aid us in developing an open mind about what the American people should expect in society. Following others doesn't guide us in any way because it does not allow for us to express our innermost feelings. Throughout these three works, individualism is expressed in various ways. Although all three works do illustrate the idea of individualism, Paine seems to approach it in a different way.

Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken", is an insightful idealistic attempt in illustrating the paradox of free will. In the first line, Frost uses the metaphor "Two roads diverged" (1), to establish n


Similarly, in Kate Chopin's short story "The Story of an Hour," the central theme of individuality is also expressed. When Mrs. Mallard received the news of her husband' s death, she was in a deep state of grief. After she realized that she would now have freedom, she began to rejoice. Even though she loved her husband and will weep for him again, one thought comes to her over and over again: "free, free, free!"(546). Mrs. Mallard realizes at that instant that her life from now on is her own to live as she chooses; no more will she have to give in to the needs and wishes of her husband. She experiences a sense of independence to be who she wants to be without having to worry about her husband. This reflects the idea of individuality because Mrs. Mallard "would live for herself"(548). She was delighted to be able to make her own decisions and be "free! Body and soul free"(548)

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 592
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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