American Symbols, the Dream, and Narrative Perspectives

American Symbols: Contrasting Views

The Statue of Liberty: A Unifying Symbol?

Most American citizens seem to share a common opinion of the Statue of Liberty. They think that it is a symbol of hope, faith, democracy, freedom, and equality, although the reality is sometimes different.

The American Flag: A Divisive Symbol?

On the other hand, Americans hold two distinct points of view regarding the American flag. Some believe that the stars and stripes represent unity and equality; these individuals may feel content with their lives in America. Others feel that the American flag does not live up to their expectations and are ashamed of it. These people might feel compelled to disrespect the flag, wanting to burn it or drag it through the mud. As a consequence of these opposing opinions, the flag can be a source of division among people.

The American Dream: Diverse Interpretations

The American Dream is fundamentally a vision where life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, offering opportunity for each according to his ability and achievement. It represents a dream of a social order where men and women are able to realize their full potential regardless of their economic background.

However, asking Americans today about their understanding of the American Dream yields many different responses:

• Some see it as a thing of the past.
• Others claim that it is alive and well and feel that Americans should strive to make it a reality for everyone.
• For some, it is the dream of decent and affordable housing.
• For others, it is the dream of racial equality and justice for all.
• Some see it as the dream of upward social mobility, achieving success through education and hard work.
• Some interpret the dream through depictions of a beautiful America, full of crops grown in large fields and beautiful scenery, or see the Statue of Liberty guarding over everyone and everything.

The American Dream fundamentally relates to individual freedom and the opportunity to make a better life for oneself. Despite differing views, most Americans agree that the American Dream has been central to American beliefs and behavior.

While patriotism, positive thinking, optimism about the future, pragmatism, and a can-do attitude characterize many Americans, others feel America has failed to live up to its ideals. For many, the promise of America has not come true, highlighted by a growing gap between the rich and the poor.

An A-Z of American Concepts

• America
• Baseball
• Civil War
• Dream
• Ellis Island
• Farmers
• Gospel
• Halloween
• Idols
• John F. Kennedy
• Ku Klux Klan
• Levi's
• Multiculturalism
• New York
• Oscar
• Puritans
• Quality
• Rugby
• Star Trek
• Twin Towers
• Universal Pictures
• Vietnam
• West Side Story
• X-Men
• Yankees
• Zip code

Narrative Techniques: Point of View

• First-person narrator: Uses "I"; presents a limited point of view.
• Third-person narrator: Uses "he," "she," "they."
  • Limited: Does not have access to the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
  • Unlimited (Omniscient): Can move freely in space and time, and enter the minds of multiple characters.

Narrative Techniques: Mode of Presentation

• Scenic presentation: Shows an event in detail, often using dialogue and depicting thoughts and emotions.
• Interior monologue: Presents the flow of feelings and thoughts passing through a character's mind.
• Panoramic presentation: Tells a condensed series of events; summarizes.

Narrative Techniques: Characterization

• Character Types:
  • Round character: Complex, develops, and changes throughout the story.
  • Flat character: Defined by a limited number of traits; often static.
• Methods of Characterization:
  • Direct or explicit: The reader learns about the character directly from the narrator, another character, or the character themself.
  • Indirect or implicit: The reader draws conclusions about the character by studying their behavior, speech, thoughts, appearance, and interactions with others.