American Dreams is set in the early twentieth century, a time of great change politically, socially, and technologically. Many of the issues he addresses are still pertinent to modern society.

1. Which of the three main characters, Carl, Fritzi, or Paul, have dreams and adventures that are most interesting to you? Why?

2. Does Jakes' weaving of historical events and real people stimulate your interest enough to do a little extra research on specific subjects? For example, Henry Ford's manufacturing methods, D. W. Griffith's films, Thomas Edison's camera and film patents, the Curtiss airplane compared to the Wright Brothers' airplane, careers of Charlie Chaplin and Mack Sennett, or Barney Oldfield and race cars?

3. Watch a silent film starring Charlie Chaplin or Pearl White and compare and contrast Fritzi Crown's talents as an actress and comedienne. How do modern movie or television comedians compare to Fritzi's style?

4. Some of...