In almost every genre of literature, there is the classic antagonist, and the classic protagonist. When examining these characters, there are certain guidelines which authors follow. However, there are times in literature when the classic guidelines are broken, and a new prototype emerges. Contemporary writer Norman Mailer broke the mold of the classic character(s) when writing the novel An American Dream. In An American Dream, there is no set protagonist or antagonist. In fact, Mailer has taken these two separate identities and merged them into one character. The product is the main character of the novel, Steven Rojack. Throughout the novel, the readers are not sure whether they want him to succeed or fail. This is due to Rojack's ever-changing personality. At first, he seems like the perfect man: a decorated war hero who knows all the right people. However, shortly after this impression is made, another is formed. He murders his wife in cold blood and lies to the police, claiming......
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Approximate Word Count: 1556
Approximate Pages: 6 (260 words per double-spaced page) |