An American Dream, written by Norman Mailer, was first published in 1965. This novel was a departure from Mailer's earlier works, delving deeply into the psychological complexity of its protagonist and exploring themes of violence, identity, and the contradictions within the American dream. Mailer, known for his explorations of American society, aimed to capture the tumultuous political and social climate of the 1960s, as the country was experiencing cultural upheaval and a growing sense of disillusionment. An American Dream reflects Mailer's shifting views on America’s ideals, capturing a moment in history while exploring deeply personal struggles. An American Dream is a novel that centers on the character of Stephen Rojack, a former congressman turned television personality. Rojack’s life is marked by deep psychological conflict, a crumbling marriage, and his grappling with a variety of moral and existential crises. His life falls apart when he murders his wife, a deeply troubled woman named Deborah, and subsequently attempts to cover up the crime. The novel is structured as a sort of psychological thriller, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy as Rojack confronts his past, his desires, and the consequences of his actions.The story unfolds as Rojack seeks redemption and answers, traveling through a series of bizarre and surreal situations that seem to symbolize his internal struggles. Throughout the novel, Mailer explores the idea of the American dream—its promise, its inherent contradictions, and how it shapes individuals like Rojack who are consumed by the pursuit of power, success, and personal satisfaction. The novel’s surrealist tone and dark themes address issues of violence, masculinity, and the emptiness that can arise from the pursuit of superficial success.

An American Dream is an important work in Norman Mailer’s career and in the broader context of 20th-century American literature. The novel represents Mailer’s shift from his earlier focus on the physical realities of war and political conflict, as seen in works like The Naked and the Dead (1948) and The Executioner’s Song (1979), to a more introspective exploration of the human psyche and the moral consequences of personal choices. It also reflects the growing disillusionment in American society during the 1960s, a period marked by social upheaval, political scandals, and a questioning of traditional values.The novel was also significant for its portrayal of the complexities of masculinity and its critique of the American Dream. In many ways, An American Dream anticipates later works of American literature that would similarly explore the emptiness of the American Dream, such as works by authors like Don DeLillo, Philip Roth, and Thomas Pynchon. The novel’s themes of violence, power, and identity also align it with the broader cultural and intellectual movements of the 1960s, including the rise of countercultural critiques of traditional norms and institutions.

The American Dream and its Discontents: At its core, An American Dream is a critique of the American Dream itself. Mailer examines the idea that American society promises success, freedom, and prosperity to anyone willing to work hard enough to achieve it. However, Rojack’s journey suggests that these ideals are hollow and unattainable, particularly for those who seek meaning or fulfillment through materialism and power. The novel critiques the myth of the American Dream, showing that for many individuals, the pursuit of wealth, fame, and status leads to emptiness and self-destruction.Violence and Masculinity: A significant theme in An American Dream is the connection between violence and masculinity. Rojack, a deeply flawed and often violent character, epitomizes a certain ideal of American masculinity. His actions—particularly the murder of his wife—are driven by his internalized beliefs about power and dominance. Mailer’s portrayal of Rojack as a man struggling with the expectations of traditional masculinity provides a window into the psychological complexities of male identity in 20th-century America. Violence, both physical and psychological, is portrayed as a tool for asserting control and coping with feelings of inadequacy, but it ultimately leads to Rojack’s downfall.Psychological and Existential Struggles: The novel is deeply psychological, exploring Rojack’s internal conflicts as he navigates his troubled relationships, his fading political career, and his disillusionment with society. His struggles can be seen as existential, as he grapples with questions of purpose, identity, and morality. The novel explores themes of guilt, self-loathing, and the search for redemption, illustrating how Rojack’s personal failings mirror broader societal problems.The American Elite and Corruption: Throughout the novel, Mailer critiques the American elite, particularly the politicians and celebrities who populate Rojack’s world. Rojack himself, once a congressman, represents the corrupt, self-serving nature of American politics. His actions—murdering his wife and attempting to manipulate those around him—serve as a metaphor for the moral decay of a society that values power and success above integrity. Mailer paints a picture of a corrupt, self-centered elite that is disconnected from the struggles of ordinary people, further highlighting the emptiness of the American Dream.Surrealism and Fantasy: Mailer employs surreal and dreamlike imagery throughout the novel, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The novel’s structure mirrors Rojack’s psychological state, as his experiences become increasingly bizarre and hallucinatory. This surrealism is used to illustrate Rojack’s internal fragmentation and sense of disorientation, as well as to critique the disorienting nature of American society in the 1960s. The dreamlike elements of the novel create an atmosphere of instability, suggesting that the very concept of reality is subjective and malleable.

An American Dream has had a significant cultural impact, particularly in its critique of the American Dream and its portrayal of a flawed, violent protagonist. The novel captures the contradictions and disillusionment of postwar America, particularly as the country faced political corruption, societal unrest, and increasing questioning of authority. At a time when the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and other social changes were beginning to challenge the status quo, Mailer’s novel provided a harsh reflection of the personal and political crises that were unfolding in American society.The book also reflects the broader cultural movement toward more experimental and fragmented narrative forms. The surreal, psychological style of the novel influenced later writers in the postmodern tradition, including authors like Don DeLillo and David Foster Wallace. Mailer’s blending of reality and fantasy paved the way for more experimental forms of storytelling in American literature.

While An American Dream was not universally loved by critics or readers, its cultural impact was undeniable. The novel’s portrayal of violence, masculinity, and disillusionment resonated with many who were grappling with the contradictions of postwar American life. The critique of the American Dream, in particular, spoke to a growing sense of dissatisfaction and alienation that many Americans were beginning to feel as the 1960s progressed.The novel’s themes of violence and moral corruption were prescient in a country that was becoming increasingly aware of its own social and political flaws. The portrayal of Rojack’s internal battles mirrored the larger struggles in American society, particularly as the Vietnam War, civil rights protests, and other tensions began to fracture the sense of national unity. The novel helped catalyze conversations about the nature of American identity, and its portrayal of a morally bankrupt elite and the futility of achieving the American Dream spoke to the growing sense of disillusionment among many.

An American Dream is a profound and unsettling exploration of American society, masculinity, and the darker side of the human psyche. Through the character of Stephen Rojack, Norman Mailer critiques the myth of the American Dream, exposing its hollowness and the ways in which individuals are consumed by their pursuit of power and success. The novel’s surreal, psychological style captures the inner turmoil of its protagonist while also reflecting the cultural and political turbulence of the 1960s. By blending reality and fantasy, Mailer challenges readers to question their assumptions about identity, morality, and the nature of success. The book’s lasting significance lies in its ability to provoke thought about the complexities and contradictions of the American experience, and it remains an important work for understanding the cultural landscape of postwar America.