How is the American Dream Represented in Graphic Novels?

In many popular novels, the American Dream is often represented as achieving financial success and upward social mobility. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Jay Gatsby pursues wealth to win back his lost love, Daisy. His lavish parties and big mansion are symbols of his pursuit of the American Dream, though in the end, it all falls apart, showing the hollowness that can sometimes be behind the pursuit.

In Morrison's works, the American Dream is represented as a broken promise for African - Americans. Her characters' experiences show that the idea of equality and opportunity in the American Dream is not a reality for them. For example, in many of her novels, characters face racial prejudice that hinders their progress towards any form of the so - called dream.

The American Dream in 'Fight Club' is warped. The main character's pursuit of it through consumerism only leads to his alienation. He has all the trappings of success according to the traditional American Dream, yet he is deeply unhappy. Tyler represents a counter - culture reaction to this. He tries to dismantle the false American Dream by creating chaos. For example, the Fight Club itself is a place where men can escape the emasculating and unfulfilling aspects of the American Dream.

Feminism in graphic novels often shows up through the creation of complex female characters. These characters have their own goals, desires, and personalities that are not defined by male characters. They can be superheroes, leaders, or ordinary women facing extraordinary situations. Additionally, the art style might also play a role, with female characters being drawn in a way that shows their strength and agency.

Minurities in graphic novels can be represented in various ways. Sometimes they are shown as strong and heroic characters, breaking stereotypes. For example, in some graphic novels, African - American characters are depicted as brilliant scientists or fearless leaders, which is a positive change from the traditional negative or limited portrayals.

In some graphic novels, sex can be represented in a very symbolic or implied way. For example, through the use of body language and suggestive glances between characters. This allows the author to touch on the theme without being overly explicit.

Another way time is represented is through the use of captions. Captions can give specific time references like 'a year later' or 'in the morning'. They can also provide a more detailed description of the passage of time, such as how long a certain event has been going on. Additionally, the style of the art within the panels can change to show the passage of time, like a character's appearance aging gradually.

Often by a character's facial expression, like an open mouth.

The loss of innocence in American novels can also be about the loss of childhood ideals. In 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', Huck starts with a simple and somewhat innocent view of life on the Mississippi. But as he travels with Jim and witnesses the evils of slavery and the hypocrisy of the adults around him, he loses his innocent perspective. He has to grapple with complex moral issues that are far from the carefree world he initially knew, which is a significant loss of innocence.

In some American novels, the Christian cross can be a symbol of hope and redemption. For example, in 'The Scarlet Letter', it may represent the Puritanical values of the society where the story is set, with the cross being a reminder of religious teachings and moral codes.