"The 42nd Parallel" Characters Analysis
fiction | 356 pages | Published in 2000
Estimated read time: 6 min read
Table of Contents
Character Analysis: "The 42nd Parallel" by John Dos Passos
"The 42nd Parallel" is the first novel in John Dos Passos' acclaimed "U.S.A. Trilogy." Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows the lives of various characters as they navigate through the rapidly changing American society. Each character represents a different aspect of American life during this period, making them integral to the overall narrative. In this character analysis, we will explore the key characters, their roles, backgrounds, traits, arcs, and relationships within the context of "The 42nd Parallel."
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| John Dos Passos | Author and Narrator |
| Mac McCreary | Aspiring Writer |
| Janey Williams | Independent Working Woman |
| Eleanor Stoddard | Wealthy Socialite |
| J. Ward Moorehouse | Ambitious Businessman |
| Charley Anderson | Skilled Mechanic |
| Mary French | Political Activist |
| Joe Williams | Janey's Brother-in-law |
| Ruth Atkins | Factory Worker |
| Richard Ellsworth Savage | Wealthy Entrepreneur |
Role Identification
"The 42nd Parallel" features a diverse range of characters representing different socioeconomic backgrounds, professions, and aspirations. Each character serves a specific purpose in illustrating the multifaceted nature of American society during the early 20th century. They bring depth and variety to the narrative, allowing readers to explore different aspects of the time period.
Character Descriptions
- Mac McCreary: An aspiring writer who dreams of literary success and seeks adventure in his life. Mac is a young man with idealistic views and a desire to break free from societal norms.
- Janey Williams: A strong-willed and independent woman who works as a stenographer. Janey is determined to achieve success on her own terms and refuses to conform to traditional gender roles.
- Eleanor Stoddard: A wealthy socialite who enjoys a life of luxury and privilege. Eleanor represents the upper class and provides insight into the extravagant lifestyles of the elite during this era.
- J. Ward Moorehouse: An ambitious businessman who rises through the ranks of the corporate world. Moorehouse embodies the pursuit of wealth and power, showcasing the cutthroat nature of American capitalism.
- Charley Anderson: A skilled mechanic who values hard work and takes pride in his trade. Charley represents the working class and highlights the challenges faced by the laborers in industrial America.
- Mary French: A political activist and advocate for social justice. Mary fights against inequality and advocates for the rights of the working class, becoming a symbol of resistance and change.
- Joe Williams: Janey's brother-in-law, who struggles to find stable employment and battles with alcoholism. Joe represents the struggles faced by many Americans during the Great Depression.
- Ruth Atkins: A factory worker who endures harsh working conditions and fights for better rights and conditions for herself and her fellow workers.
- Richard Ellsworth Savage: A wealthy entrepreneur who amasses great wealth through dubious means. Savage showcases the darker side of American capitalism and the corrupting influence of money and power.
Character Traits
Mac McCreary is adventurous, idealistic, and ambitious. Janey Williams is independent, determined, and resilient. Eleanor Stoddard is privileged, refined, and sheltered. J. Ward Moorehouse is ambitious, ruthless, and driven. Charley Anderson is hardworking, skilled, and honest. Mary French is passionate, dedicated, and reform-minded. Joe Williams is troubled, vulnerable, and lost. Ruth Atkins is resilient, courageous, and outspoken. Richard Ellsworth Savage is cunning, manipulative, and ruthless.
Character Background
Mac McCreary comes from a middle-class background and is influenced by his father's working-class values. Janey Williams comes from a working-class family and strives to achieve success in the corporate world. Eleanor Stoddard is born into a wealthy family and enjoys a life of privilege. J. Ward Moorehouse comes from a modest background but climbs the corporate ladder through ambition and ruthlessness. Charley Anderson comes from a blue-collar background and takes pride in his trade. Mary French is raised in a politically active family and becomes involved in social justice causes. Joe Williams comes from a working-class family and struggles with unemployment and addiction. Ruth Atkins is a factory worker who experiences the hardships of industrial labor. Richard Ellsworth Savage is born into wealth and uses questionable means to amass even more.
Character Arcs
Mac McCreary's character arc revolves around his pursuit of literary success and personal growth as he navigates through various adventures and challenges. Janey Williams' arc focuses on her journey towards independence and self-discovery as she breaks free from societal expectations. Eleanor Stoddard's arc explores her awakening to the realities of the world beyond her sheltered existence. J. Ward Moorehouse's arc centers around his relentless pursuit of wealth and power, which eventually leads to moral compromises. Charley Anderson's arc depicts his struggle to maintain his integrity in the face of societal changes and economic hardships. Mary French's arc revolves around her political awakening and her fight for social justice. Joe Williams' arc portrays his battle with addiction and his attempts to rebuild his life. Ruth Atkins' arc showcases her transformation from a meek factory worker to a passionate advocate for workers' rights. Richard Ellsworth Savage's arc follows his rise to power and the consequences of his unethical actions.
Relationships
Mac McCreary forms relationships with various characters throughout the novel, including Janey Williams, Eleanor Stoddard, and Mary French. His interactions with these characters provide insight into their individual journeys and the larger themes of the novel. Janey Williams shares a complex relationship with her brother-in-law, Joe Williams, as they navigate their struggles together. Eleanor Stoddard's interactions primarily revolve around her interactions with the upper-class society and the men who court her. J. Ward Moorehouse's relationships are primarily transactional, as he uses people to further his own ambitions. Charley Anderson forms friendships with fellow workers and finds support within the working-class community. Mary French builds connections with other activists and becomes involved in political movements. Joe Williams' relationships are strained due to his addiction and unemployment. Ruth Atkins finds camaraderie and solidarity with other factory workers. Richard Ellsworth Savage forms connections with influential individuals who help him achieve his goals.
In conclusion, "The 42nd Parallel" by John Dos Passos presents a diverse array of characters who collectively showcase the complexities of American society during the early 20th century. Through their roles, backgrounds, traits, arcs, and relationships, Dos Passos crafts a rich narrative that explores themes of ambition, class, gender, and social justice. Each character contributes to the overall tapestry of the novel, providing a nuanced portrayal of the era and leaving a lasting impact on readers.
