The Dollmaker | Themes & Symbolism

The Dollmaker Significant Topics

Living the American Dream

The American Dream is traditionally defined according to the words of the United States Constitution, which indicates that the country was founded with the goal of providing the opportunity for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." This is certainly the core motivation of The Dollmaker's central characters. Gertie and Clovis, along with most of the people around them, want what they want and do what they do in order to realize the goal of living life the way they want, have the liberty to do so, and find happiness within that. In Gertie's case, her carving symbolizes this motivation, her determination to "carve" or create her own life and destiny. For Clovis, making as much money as possible and having as many up-to-date possessions as possible are simultaneously the manifestations of his motivation, and his definition of "happiness." Herein lies what some might call the dark side of the...
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