Norman Mailers An American Dream: The Character of Steven Rojack :: essays papers

Norman Mailers An American Dream The Character of Steven RojackIn almost every genre of literature there is the classicantagonist, and the classic protagonist. When examining thesecharacters, there argon certain guidelines which authorsfollow. However, there are times in literature when theclassic guidelines are bustn, and a new prototype emerges.Contemporary writer Norman Mailer broke the mold of the classiccharacter(s) when writing the novel, An American Dream. In AnAmerican Dream, there is no set protagonist or antagonist. Infact, Mailer has taken these two start out identities and mergedthem into bingle character. The product is the main character ofthe novel, Steven Rojack. Throughout the novel the readerisnt sure if they want him to succeed, or fail. This is due toRojacks ever-changing personality. He setoff seems like theperfect man, a decorated war hero who k this instants all the rightpeople. However, shortly after this impression is made otheris formed. He murde rs his wife in cold blood and lies to thepolice, claimi ng she committed suicide. As the novelcontinues however, Rojack realizes the horror of his crime and evenconfesses what he has done to a woman he loves. Due to therealization of his crime, he is redeemed in the eye of the reader.From this point on, the reader wants Rojack to succeed. However,before final judgement can be passed, it is imperative that Rojacksentire character be explored.Steven Rojack is first introduced as a prominent man in societywho becomes recognized due to his decoration in phalanxservice. Through this service he became close with many famouspoliticians, Jack Kennedy being one. It is through Jack thatRojack meets his first wife, Deborah, a woman who he describeswould be bored with a diamond as big as the Ritz (1) Afterserving a term in Congress, he and Deborah marry.Unfortunately, the relationship they have is one in whichDeborah has full control. As he continues to describe therelationship with hi s wife it is often filled with bittermemories. He remembers going to parties where she wouldcompare his worth to that of another mans. It is from thisthat a bitter hatred stems towards Deborah. Finally, afterseven years of marriage, they separate. However, after theseparation, Deborahs needs are still covered by Steven, who isnow a college professor and the host of a popular TV show. Inaddition to this Deborah main tains a close contact with him,seeing him whenever she desires.