This section contains 98 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) |
"I am an American, Chicago born."
The famous opening words indicate that The Adventures of Augie March is a novel deeply rooted in a particular social context. Moving from the 1920s to the 1940s, it touches on the Great Depression, the stark contrast between rich and poor, the struggle over unionization, and the Second World War.
Nevertheless, it belongs to an American novelistic tradition of individualism and muted social commentary. In fact, much of the tension in the novel develops from the struggle of the protagonist to resist social regimentation, to remain "in opposition."
This section contains 98 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) |