comment on theme

The central theme of the novel is that from the time after the Civil War to the time following World War II, America steadily moved away from its agrarian roots to a society that was centered around cities. Jack's own life is a symbol of this change. He is a virile young man growing up, but his ways become increasingly unsatisfactory as time goes on. His wife, Ruth, wants him to be an ambitious, successful man, and she does not seem to particularly care how he does it. When he fails to meet her expectations, their marriage is basically ruined. Ruth's attitude, which she transmits to her daughter, Clara, is the new mindset which engulfs America. Under this new mindset, one only cares about making more money and having more possessions. Gone are the humble days of being content with one's (literal) lot in life.