The 42nd Parallel Themes

The 42nd Parallel Themes

Discontentment

One of the most prevalent theme of the book is discontentment, which is felt by all of the main characters. They are all unhappy with the situation in which they grew up and are trying to escape it in one way or another. They all move out of their parents' home as soon as they can. For some, like Eleanor Stoddard, this had to do with the smell of and the memory of the stockyards, which she couldn't stand. For others, like Charley Anderson, it was a mother who kept forcing church and Bible reading on him. J. Ward Moorehouse had to help support his family. He moved out in response to a better job.

Discontentment is most obvious in the character of Fainy McCreary. Mac always wanted to be involved in the labor movement or the socialist movement, but he was too wishy-washy to make a decision and stand...
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