By John Dos Passos
Introduction — USA: The 42nd Parallel by John Dos Passos is the first novel in his acclaimed USA Trilogy. Published in 1930, it provides a rich tapestry of American life in the early 20th century. Dos Passos, an influential American novelist, poet, and artist, used innovative narrative techniques to capture the essence of a rapidly changing society. This work belongs to the modernist genre, characterized by its fragmented structure and focus on the complexities of modern life. 📚✨
Plot Summary
Plot Summary — USA: The 42nd Parallel follows the lives of five main characters whose paths cross in the early 20th-century United States.
- Exposition: The story introduces the diverse backgrounds of the characters: Mac McCreary, an itinerant laborer; Janey Williams, a secretary; J. Ward Moorehouse, an ambitious public relations man; Eleanor Stoddard, an aspiring artist; and Charley Anderson, a mechanic and pilot.
- Rising Action: Each character’s journey reflects the broader societal changes of the era, including industrialization, labor strikes, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Their individual struggles and ambitions highlight the socio-economic disparities and the impact of capitalism.
- Climax: The climax occurs as the characters face personal and professional crises. Mac becomes deeply involved in labor movements, Janey struggles with her role in a male-dominated workplace, and Charley’s entrepreneurial spirit leads to both success and downfall.
- Falling Action: The characters begin to reckon with the consequences of their actions. Mac’s dedication to the labor cause leads to disillusionment, Janey faces personal betrayals, and Charley’s life spirals out of control.
- Resolution: The novel ends on an ambiguous note, reflecting the uncertainty and ongoing struggles of the characters. The resolution is not definitive, leaving readers to ponder the future paths of the protagonists.
Character Analysis
Character Analysis —
- Mac McCreary: A dedicated labor activist whose journey symbolizes the plight of the working class.
- Janey Williams: A determined and independent secretary navigating the challenges of a patriarchal society.
- J. Ward Moorehouse: An ambitious PR man who epitomizes the pursuit of wealth and success.
- Eleanor Stoddard: An aspiring artist who struggles with her creative ambitions and societal expectations.
- Charley Anderson: A mechanic and pilot whose entrepreneurial ventures reflect the volatile nature of the American Dream.
Character Analysis Summary
| Character | Personality | Motivations | Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mac McCreary | Dedicated, idealistic, resilient | Advocating for labor rights | Disillusioned by the labor movement |
| Janey Williams | Independent, determined, resourceful | Career advancement, personal independence | Faces betrayal and personal challenges |
| J. Ward Moorehouse | Ambitious, pragmatic, opportunistic | Wealth, social status | Achieves success but remains unfulfilled |
| Eleanor Stoddard | Creative, conflicted, introspective | Artistic expression, societal acceptance | Struggles with creative and societal pressures |
| Charley Anderson | Energetic, entrepreneurial, reckless | Business success, personal fulfillment | Experiences success and downfall |
Themes and Symbols
Themes and Symbols —
- The American Dream: Explores the pursuit of success and the inherent inequalities within this ideal.
- Industrialization and Labor: Highlights the impact of industrialization on workers and the rise of labor movements.
- Capitalism and Corruption: Critiques the influence of capitalism on society and the moral compromises it entails.
- Social and Economic Disparities: Examines the gap between the rich and the poor and its effects on individuals.
- Fragmentation and Modernity: Reflects the fragmented nature of modern life and the search for identity.
Symbols:
- The 42nd Parallel: Represents the geographical and metaphorical divisions in American society.
- Trains and Transportation: Symbolize movement, progress, and the characters’ journeys.
- Skyscrapers: Reflect the rise of capitalism and urbanization.
- Advertisements: Represent consumer culture and the superficial aspects of the American Dream.
Style and Tone
- Narrative Techniques: Dos Passos employs a mix of narrative styles, including traditional third-person narration, stream-of-consciousness, and his unique “Newsreel” and “Camera Eye” sections.
- Fragmented Structure: The novel’s structure is fragmented, mirroring the chaotic and multifaceted nature of early 20th-century America.
- Realism and Modernism: The writing combines realistic depictions of characters’ lives with modernist techniques that emphasize the complexity of human experience.
- Tone: The tone varies from critical and analytical to empathetic and reflective, depending on the narrative perspective.
Literary Devices used in USA: The 42nd Parallel
Literary Devices used in USA: The 42nd Parallel
1. Stream-of-Consciousness — Used to delve into characters’ inner thoughts and emotions, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and conflicts.
2. Newsreel Technique — Incorporates actual news headlines and articles to provide historical context and enhance realism.
3. Camera Eye — A series of autobiographical sketches that offer a personal perspective on the events of the era.
4. Symbolism — Uses symbols like the 42nd parallel, trains, and skyscrapers to convey broader themes and ideas.
5. Irony — Highlights the contradictions and disparities in American society, often with a critical tone.
6. Imagery — Vivid descriptions of settings and characters that evoke the atmosphere of the time.
7. Juxtaposition — Places contrasting scenes and characters side by side to highlight differences and conflicts.
8. Metaphor — Uses metaphorical language to draw parallels between characters’ experiences and larger societal issues.
9. Foreshadowing — Hints at future events and outcomes, creating suspense and anticipation.
10. Allusion — References to historical events and cultural figures to ground the story in its historical context.
Literary Device Examples
Literary Devices Examples
Stream-of-Consciousness
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Mac thought about the meeting last night, the faces of the men, the smoke-filled room.” | Reveals Mac’s inner thoughts and concerns. |
| “Janey walked to work, her mind a whirl of thoughts about the office, her future, the city.” | Illustrates Janey’s inner monologue. |
| “Charley lay awake, his mind racing with plans, ideas, and fears.” | Shows Charley’s restless, entrepreneurial spirit. |
Newsreel Technique
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “LABOR STRIKE ENDS IN VIOLENCE” | Provides historical context for the labor movement. |
| “NEW SKYSCRAPER COMPLETED IN DOWNTOWN” | Reflects urbanization and modernization. |
| “STOCK MARKET HITS NEW HIGH” | Highlights economic conditions of the era. |
Camera Eye
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “Childhood memories of the city streets, the noise, the people.” | Offers a personal perspective on urban life. |
| “Recollections of wartime, the chaos, the fear.” | Provides insight into the personal impact of war. |
| “Reflections on social changes, the rise of industry.” | Shows the narrator’s observations on societal shifts. |
Symbolism
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The 42nd Parallel” | Represents societal divisions and diversity. |
| “Trains and transportation” | Symbolize progress and movement. |
| “Skyscrapers” | Reflect the rise of capitalism and urbanization. |
Irony
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The wealthier they got, the less happy they seemed.” | Critiques the emptiness of material success. |
| “He fought for freedom but found himself imprisoned by his ideals.” | Highlights the contradictions in characters’ lives. |
| “She sought independence but felt more confined than ever.” | Points out the ironic twists in the pursuit of freedom. |
Imagery
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The factory loomed, a dark giant against the skyline.” | Evokes the imposing presence of industrialization. |
| “The city buzzed with activity, a hive of human endeavor.” | Creates a vivid picture of urban life. |
| “The countryside stretched out, a patchwork quilt of fields and farms.” | Paints a detailed image of rural America. |
Juxtaposition
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The opulence of the city versus the poverty of the countryside.” | Highlights economic disparities. |
| “The optimism of youth against the cynicism of experience.” | Contrasts different perspectives. |
| “The rapid pace of progress and the slow decay |
of tradition.” | Shows the conflict between old and new. |
Metaphor
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “The city was a beast, devouring all who entered.” | Compares the city to a predatory animal. |
| “His dreams were shattered glass, each piece a painful memory.” | Uses broken glass to symbolize broken dreams. |
| “The factory was a heart, pumping life into the town.” | Likens the factory to a vital organ. |
Foreshadowing
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “He felt an uneasy chill, as if something terrible was about to happen.” | Hints at future conflicts. |
| “The calm before the storm, a silence that spoke volumes.” | Prepares readers for upcoming turmoil. |
| “Little did she know, this was just the beginning of her troubles.” | Indicates future challenges. |
Allusion
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| “He was a modern-day Gatsby, chasing an elusive dream.” | References The Great Gatsby to highlight similar themes. |
| “Like Prometheus, he was bound by his own creation.” | Alludes to Greek mythology to draw parallels. |
| “Her journey was an odyssey through the American landscape.” | References The Odyssey to underscore the epic nature of her journey. |
FAQs
USA: The 42nd Parallel – FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the title The 42nd Parallel?
A: The title represents both a geographical and metaphorical division, symbolizing the diverse and fragmented nature of American society.
Q: How does Dos Passos use the Newsreel technique?
A: Dos Passos incorporates actual news headlines and articles to provide historical context and enhance the realism of the narrative.
Q: Who are the main characters in The 42nd Parallel?
A: The main characters are Mac McCreary, Janey Williams, J. Ward Moorehouse, Eleanor Stoddard, and Charley Anderson.
Q: What themes are explored in The 42nd Parallel?
A: Major themes include the American Dream, industrialization and labor, capitalism and corruption, social and economic disparities, and the fragmentation of modern life.
Q: What narrative techniques does Dos Passos use?
A: He uses a mix of third-person narration, stream-of-consciousness, Newsreel and Camera Eye sections, and fragmented structure.
Q: What is the tone of The 42nd Parallel?
A: The tone varies, being critical and analytical at times, while also empathetic and reflective.
Q: How does Dos Passos depict the American Dream?
A: He critiques the American Dream, highlighting its inequalities and the moral compromises it entails.
Q: What role do symbols play in the novel?
A: Symbols like the 42nd parallel, trains, and skyscrapers convey broader themes and ideas related to societal divisions and progress.
Q: What is the climax of the novel?
A: The climax occurs when the characters face personal and professional crises, leading to significant turning points in their lives.
Q: How does the novel end?
A: The novel ends on an ambiguous note, reflecting the ongoing struggles and uncertainties faced by the characters.
Quiz
| Question | Option A | Option B | Option C | Option D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who is Mac McCreary? | A labor activist | A secretary | A PR man | A mechanic and pilot |
| What technique does Dos Passos use to incorporate historical context? | Stream-of-Consciousness | Newsreel Technique | Camera Eye | Symbolism |
| Which character represents the pursuit of wealth and social status? | Janey Williams | J. Ward Moorehouse | Eleanor Stoddard | Charley Anderson |
| What does the 42nd Parallel symbolize? | Progress and movement | The rise of capitalism | Societal divisions | The American Dream |
| What narrative style is used to reflect the complexity of modern life? | Traditional third-person | Modernism | Realism | Empathy |
Exercise
Spot the Literary Devices — Read the following paragraph from USA: The 42nd Parallel and identify the literary devices used:
“Mac thought about the meeting last night, the faces of the men, the smoke-filled room. He felt an uneasy chill, as if something terrible was about to happen. The city was a beast, devouring all who entered, and he wondered if his dreams were shattered glass, each piece a painful memory.”
Answers
- Stream-of-Consciousness: “Mac thought about the meeting last night, the faces of the men, the smoke-filled room.”
- Foreshadowing: “He felt an uneasy chill, as if something terrible was about to happen.”
- Metaphor: “The city was a beast, devouring all who entered.”
- Imagery: “The smoke-filled room.”
- Metaphor: “He wondered if his dreams were shattered glass, each piece a painful memory.”