If the American Dream is all about moving on up, then Mailer's An American Dream is about coming back down. From the outside, Rojack has it made: He's a war hero, ex-congressman, distinguished professor, famous television host, and husband to the wealthiest heiress this side of Paris Hilton. In other words, this dude is high society.
There's just one problem, though. In his heart, Rojack can't deny how unfulfilling the whole deal is. Sure, he takes these frustrations out in some less-than-savory ways (a little bit of murder, for starters), but along the way he shows us the unseen consequences of life in the 1 percent.
Questions About Society and Class
- How does class play into Deborah and Rojack's relationship? How about Rojack and Cherry's? Explore similarities and differences between the two relationships.
- Compare and contrast Rojack's and Kelly's experiences rising through the ranks of society. How different is Rojack from Kelly?
- Does Shago want to join the upper class? Explain, using the text to support.
- Why does Kelly fall in love with Bess?
Chew on This
Rojack never actually loves Deborah as a person—he only ever loves the access she gives him to high society.
No matter how high Rojack rises through the social ranks, he can't escape the emptiness inside him. If anything, more money and power just empties him further.