In 'The Great Gatsby', the lavish parties and the pursuit of wealth by Gatsby reflect the consumerist and materialistic values of the 1920s. People were chasing after the 'American Dream' of money and status. In 'Of Mice and Men', the two main characters' simple dream of having their own piece of land shows the value of self - sufficiency and the hope for a stable future during the Great Depression era.
American Dream novels often reflect the value of hard work. For example, in 'Of Mice and Men', George and Lennie work hard in the hope of having their own piece of land one day. They believe that through their labor, they can achieve the American Dream. Also, the value of individualism is shown. In 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby tries to build his own empire and win Daisy back on his own terms, highlighting the idea that individuals can shape their own destinies in pursuit of the American Dream.
In 'To Kill a Mockingbird', we see the racial segregation and the unjust legal system in the South. The way Atticus Finch stands up for justice in a society that is often unfair is a reflection of the struggle within American society to uphold the ideals of the American dream. 'Catcher in the Rye' gives us a view of the alienation and confusion of the youth, which can be seen as a response to the pressures and false promises of the American dream in society. These novels, through their characters and stories, provide a window into different aspects of American society at different times.
American culture novels often reflect American values in various ways. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', the pursuit of the American Dream is a central theme. Gatsby's unwavering belief in achieving wealth and status through hard work (although his methods are a bit unethical) shows the importance placed on upward mobility in American society.
Classic novels like 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck reflect the Great Depression era. It shows the struggles of migrant workers, the poverty, and the social inequality. 'Native Son' by Richard Wright reflects the racial discrimination and the difficult life of African - Americans in the early 20th century. It gives a harsh look at how society treated them. 'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway reflects the post - World War I disillusionment of the Lost Generation, with its aimless characters and a sense of moral decay.
In 'For Whom the Bell Tolls', Hemingway reflects the anti - fascist sentiment of the time. The novel shows the international nature of the fight against fascism, with Americans joining Spaniards in the struggle. It also delved into the moral and ethical issues that soldiers faced during war. War novels can also show the technological advancements and their impact on society. In World War II novels, for instance, the use of new weapons like the atomic bomb was sometimes a theme, as in works that explored the consequences of such powerful and destructive technology on humanity.
They reflect social values by showing the relationships between different classes in war. In 'For Whom the Bell Tolls', Hemingway shows the cooperation between different groups of people fighting against fascism. This reflects the values of unity and the fight against tyranny that were important during the Spanish Civil War and also had an impact on American values. Also, in Vietnam War novels like 'The Things They Carried', the way the soldiers dealt with guilt and trauma showed the changing values in American society towards the concept of war.
In pioneer life novels, community spirit is a big value that is reflected. In many such novels, settlers help each other build barns, share food during shortages. For instance, in 'The Grapes of Wrath', even though the migrants are in a difficult situation, they try to support one another. And there's the value of perseverance. The characters in these novels keep going in the face of difficulties like harsh weather and lack of resources. They don't give up easily, which was a key value of that time.
American war history novels often reflect the values of their respective eras. For example, in the early novels about the Revolutionary War, values like freedom, independence, and the fight against tyranny were prominent. These novels would portray the colonists' struggle for self - governance and their willingness to fight for a new nation.
Family novels often show family values through the actions and relationships of the characters. For example, in 'Little Women', the March sisters' loyalty to each other and their mother's teachings represent values like kindness, hard work, and love for family. In 'Pride and Prejudice', the importance of family reputation and the way family members support or oppose potential marriages reflects values of social standing and family unity in a different way.
Themes in classic novels often directly mirror the society of their time. For example, in Dickens' novels, the theme of poverty reflects the harsh economic conditions in Victorian England. His characters like Oliver Twist experience extreme poverty which was a widespread issue then. Social inequality is another theme that shows how society was divided. In 'Anna Karenina', Tolstoy portrays the different social strata and the restrictions and expectations placed on individuals based on their class. The theme of moral values in classic novels also reflects the values held by society at that time. Novels often served as a way to comment on and critique the social norms.