The Symbolism of Car in American Culture - 3516 Words

American culture, its society, and its landscapes are all shaped by the automobile. The automobile is more than just a vehicle or a means to get from one point to the next. A car is a symbol, upon which Americans project their dreams, desires, goals, values, beliefs, and identities. In Dagoberto Gilbs short story, Love in L.A., the protagonists name is Jake. Jake envisions his ideal car, with crushed velvet interior, an FM radio, electric controls, and a heater because he could imagine lots of possibilities when he let himself, (p. 432). Jakes vision is more than a vehicle; it is the American Dream epitomized. Films, television, song lyrics, the visual arts, and literature have all at some point capitalized on the car as a central image of what it means to be an American. Cars represent freedom, most of all. Cultivated during the 1950s, imagery of fun-loving Americans cruising down Route 66 or their local main street on a Friday night sent the signal that with a car, one could be anyone, and do anything. Jake in Love in L.A. traveled to the City of Angels, the city of promise and Hollywood fantasy also the end point of Route 66. American culture has projected itself onto the automobile, imparting a sense of Manifest Destiny. In a car, the driver owns the road. Driving is an entitlement, a privilege, a right. The driver creates his or her own social space within the car, which becomes a symbolic boundary between the self and Other. Only friends, family, andShow MoreRelatedSymbolism in the Red Convertible1272 Words   |  6 PagesOctober 1st, 2012 Symbolism in the Red Convertible In writing, authors use symbolism to relay a deeper meaning to what they actually write. This technique captures important elements and gives the reader an idea of the theme of the story without the author directly telling them. Louise Erdrich uses symbolism to help emphasize and reveal the themes and message of her stories. â€Å"The Red Convertible,† by Erdrich, is a story about brotherly love as the highest value between two brothers, Lyman and HenryRead MoreFilm Analysis : Get Out1567 Words   |  7 Pagesthe use of visual rhetoric: such as film noir, symbolism and metaphors. I chose to write about the 2017 psychological thriller Get Out, which was written and directed by famous comedian Jordan Peele. Get Out is about an interracial couple Chris and Rose who are taking a weekend trip to meet Rose’s parents who are unaware that Chris is African American. Chris at first takes Rose’s parents, Missy and Dean’s, overwhelming appreciation for black culture and overly accommodating behavior as being nervousRead MoreSymbolism in the Red Convertible Essay643 Words   |  3 PagesSymbolism of the Color Red in the Red Convertible The Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich is more than an emotional story about the lives of two brothers who grew up together on an Indian reservation. She uses a writing style that allows the reader to understand the text, while providing the opportunity to read into the story. Erdrich uses metaphors, symbols, imagery to describe and define the brothers Henry and Lyman’s relationship. The two brothers purchased the red convertible together. Read MoreSymbolism Of The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1440 Words   |  6 Pages Katelyn Sullivan Professor Cahan College Writing (CUL-221624-01X) 30 November 2015 Symbolism in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is considered one of the greatest American novels ever written. A major aspect of the story is its symbolism, which is depicted through Fitzgerald’s views regarding American society in the 1920’s. Two significant elements of symbolism include, the green light and the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. Each component to the storyline isRead More Theme and Symbolism in American Music Essay542 Words   |  3 PagesTheme and Symbolism in American Music Music defines our culture. 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In F.Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway, the narrator, moves toRead MoreThe Red Convertible1631 Words   |  7 Pageson the Indian reservation. The draft will forever change the brothers, and only the memories from the red convertible will be left behind. Louise Erdrich embraces an intimate relationship between the Lamartine brothers which is supported by the symbolism of a red convertible however, the connection changes as life takes its negative effect on the brothers when Henry is drafted to Vietnam. â€Å"The Red Convertible† demonstrates the cause and effect of past memories with present experiences, particularlyRead MoreThe Colored Tragedies And Endings1558 Words   |  7 Pagesby F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of the most recognized American novels. The love-story relates and molds itself into the prominent era of Prohibition, and bases itself off the drunken and impetus glory of the American culture. Fitzgerald’s writing plays with the complex and intricate meaning; his magnificent descriptions, metaphors, and character development beam through the pages of the novel. While looking into his descriptions and symbolism, Fitzgerald resorts into regarding the use of color inRead MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1215 Words   |  5 Pagesregard for immaterial limits. In the novel, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author utilizes the intricate Symbolism symbolism of colors and time in order to illustrate the barriers that permanently separate Ga tsby from his incorruptible dream. Pretty brief for an intro – could do more to develop the link between dreams and Gatsby Fitzgerald employs the use of symbolism in reference to colors that appear in the novel specifically two in particular – yellow and gold. Gold is well-knownRead MoreThe Red Convertible1584 Words   |  7 PagesIn Native American culture, the red is the color of faith, and represents communication. The short story The Red Convertible by Louise Erdrich is more than an emotional story about the lives of two Chippewa brothers who grew up together on an Indian reservation in North Dakota. Erdrich uses metaphor, symbol, vivid imagery and a simple writing style to allow the reader to understand the text while also providing the opportunity to read a lot into the story. Written in the first person by Lyman Larmartine