The Image World In Typical American

Just like a kaleidoscope, with every shake, Typical American shows different kinds of images. The novel begins with a picturesque view of Southern China and ends with white snow. These images are like different mirrors set in different directions. They mirror the myth of the American dream from different aspects. This thesis carries a detailed analysis of the myth of the American dream through different aspects focusing on the literary meaning of the images in the novel.First, this thesis tries to analyze the myth of the American dream through nature images from the illusion of Ralph's pursuit of the American dream. The recurrent nature images and a range of nature images will be discussed. The linear structure of the cloud, rain and snow images makes the theme clearer. These nature images are poetic, vivid and evocative. They all play significant roles in developing the myth of the American dream.Second, this thesis explores the myth of the American dream through the characters' life. This is done by analyzing their assimilation lacking of the equality and freedom as well as the baselessness of the American dream. Additionally, the tragic tone of the novel presented by the red and dark color and Siren images reveals the myth of the American dream. Last, Jen's attitude towards the American dream through the description of the dog, priest image and Erlang Shen image indirectly suggest the unrealistic nature of the American dream in modern society.Through the description of the images in the novel, Jen hopes Typical American will be viewed not only as an immigrant story but as a story for all Americans, to make them think about what their myths and realities are.