Homeland Summary
John Jakes

Homeland Summary

A major theme in Homeland is the immigrant experience. Paul Crown must endure and overcome many of the social ills produced by a nation in conflict. He experiences physical and emotional deprivation and self-doubt before he finally discovers that America is a land of opportunity for those with courage, intelligence, and access to innovative technology, like the new moving picture equipment. Paul photographs scenes of the Spanish American War with a movie camera and provides Americans access to history in the making. The final step to adopting America as his homeland is his eventual marriage to Julie.

Another theme in the book is the conflict between tyranny and individual freedom. The Crowns have left Germany to escape an aristocracy of wealthy landowners who control eco nomic and social development. Although Uncle Joe Crown controls with benevolent paternalism his business and family, he stifles the lives of Ilsa, Joe...

(read more from the Short Guide)