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Themes

The American Dream

George Cohan's life and work sums up the American Dream quite neatly. By traveling through the country as a child in a nomadic existence, then becoming a powerful, popular, and wealthy entertainer, Cohan epitomizes the American Dream of pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps and succeeding when faced with the impossible.

Not only does George pull himself up, but also he pulls up his whole family. Eventually, the entire family is starring in George's popular musicals. George's background and eventual success gave thousands of Americans something to strive for, just as his musicals delighted the audiences and helped them escape their everyday lives.

Self-Reliance

One of George's greatest strengths is that he relies on no one but himself. Of course, he goes to his family and Mary for advice in some matters and trusts them, but he succeeds on his own. When he decides to leave the family troupe, so that...
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