Amory Blaine Research Paper
Paul D Menges
Professors McGrath & Spedaliere
LITR 221: American Literature since the Civil War
March 22, 2015
Amory Blaine: Quintessentially American
Amory Blaine is introduced as a “romantic egoist,” whose narcissism remains a core character trait. Even if only based on his frivolity and life of riley, Amory would be a quintessentially American hero. Yet there is more to Amory’s American spirit than mere egoism. A contemporaneous reviewer in the 1920 The New York Times notes that Amory is “doing just what hundreds of thousands of young men are doing in colleges all over the country,” which is, not taking life too seriously and engaging in lively affairs and parties (“With College Men”). The 1920s were roaring boom years for the nation, and especially its upper middle class youth like Amory. Furthermore, Amory embodies a “glorious spirit of abounding youth,” and somewhat of a Peter Pan complex (“With College Men”). An increasing obsession with youth and a burgeoning youth culture do characterize the early decades of the twentieth century. Other features that make Amory Blaine uniquely American include his patriotic participation in the war effort, coupled with his sense of invincibility that derives at least in part from his never having to worry overly much about money. …show more content…
“’I know myself," he cried, "but that is all.” The early twentieth century in America was a time of contradiction, hope, and idealism. Abuzz with newfound wealth from the industrial boom era, poised to become a global superpower, and drunk on its own success, America prided itself on its love of freedom and liberty. Yet beneath the surface remained a nation unwilling to confront some of its darker nature. Amory’s character parallels the growth of the nation through its late adulthood, as both the man and his country must become willing to take on greater responsibilities and a more global
Professors McGrath & Spedaliere
LITR 221: American Literature since the Civil War
March 22, 2015
Amory Blaine: Quintessentially American
Amory Blaine is introduced as a “romantic egoist,” whose narcissism remains a core character trait. Even if only based on his frivolity and life of riley, Amory would be a quintessentially American hero. Yet there is more to Amory’s American spirit than mere egoism. A contemporaneous reviewer in the 1920 The New York Times notes that Amory is “doing just what hundreds of thousands of young men are doing in colleges all over the country,” which is, not taking life too seriously and engaging in lively affairs and parties (“With College Men”). The 1920s were roaring boom years for the nation, and especially its upper middle class youth like Amory. Furthermore, Amory embodies a “glorious spirit of abounding youth,” and somewhat of a Peter Pan complex (“With College Men”). An increasing obsession with youth and a burgeoning youth culture do characterize the early decades of the twentieth century. Other features that make Amory Blaine uniquely American include his patriotic participation in the war effort, coupled with his sense of invincibility that derives at least in part from his never having to worry overly much about money. …show more content…
“’I know myself," he cried, "but that is all.” The early twentieth century in America was a time of contradiction, hope, and idealism. Abuzz with newfound wealth from the industrial boom era, poised to become a global superpower, and drunk on its own success, America prided itself on its love of freedom and liberty. Yet beneath the surface remained a nation unwilling to confront some of its darker nature. Amory’s character parallels the growth of the nation through its late adulthood, as both the man and his country must become willing to take on greater responsibilities and a more global