Like the rest of the U.S.A. trilogy, The Big Money reminds one of Balzac or Tolstoi in its breadth of diverse yet interesting characters. Many minor figures, like Anderson's mechanic Bill Cermak, Morehouse's client E. R. Bingham, French's associate Gus Moscowski, or Dowling's husband Sam Margolies come to life with brilliant Dickensian brush strokes. This analysis, however, will be limited to a discussion of the four major characters as variations on the central social concerns and themes.

Lieutenant Anderson epitomizes what is best, and worst, in Dos Passos's America. A decorated fighter pilot, Charley goes into business designing components for the new aviation industry. His designs are so good that he is recruited by rival companies, and his success tempts him to sell out his friends and to enter into associations with ruthless people. His courtship and betrayal by a wealthy New York girl compound his...