The Big Rock Candy Mountain Wallace Stegner
Introduction
The Big Rock Candy Mountain is a novel written by Wallace Stegner. It was first published in 1943, and it tells the story of the Mason family, who lived in various mining towns in the western United States during the early part of the 20th century. The novel is often described as a family saga, and it explores themes of identity, family, and the American Dream.
Plot Summary
The novel follows the Mason family as they move from place to place in search of a better life. Bo Mason, the patriarch of the family, is a restless man who cannot settle down in any one place for long. He moves his family from one mining town to another, hoping to strike it rich and provide a better life for his family. However, Bo's dreams of wealth and success are always just out of reach, and his restless nature takes a toll on his family.
The novel is divided into three parts. The first part takes place in the early 1900s and follows the Mason family as they move from place to place in search of work. The second part takes place in the 1920s and follows Bruce Mason, Bo's son, as he tries to make a life for himself outside of his family. The third and final part takes place in the 1930s and follows Elsa Mason, Bo's daughter, as she tries to come to terms with her family's past and her own identity.
Themes
One of the main themes of The Big Rock Candy Mountain is the American Dream. The Mason family is constantly searching for a better life, and they believe that if they work hard enough and make the right choices, they will achieve success and happiness. However, the novel suggests that the American Dream is often elusive and unattainable, especially for those who are marginalized or disadvantaged.
Another important theme in the novel is family. The Mason family is dysfunctional and often at odds with one another, but they are also fiercely loyal and protective of each other. The novel explores the complex relationships between family members and the ways in which they shape each other's lives.
Style and Structure
The Big Rock Candy Mountain is written in a realistic and naturalistic style. Stegner's prose is precise and evocative, and he paints a vivid picture of the western United States during the early part of the 20th century. The novel is structured in a non-linear fashion, with flashbacks and shifts in time and perspective. This allows Stegner to explore the complex relationships between the characters and to delve deeply into their inner lives.
Reception
The Big Rock Candy Mountain was well-received by critics when it was first published, and it has since become a classic of American literature. It has been praised for its vivid characters, evocative prose, and exploration of the American Dream. The novel has also been adapted into a stage play and a radio drama.
Conclusion
The Big Rock Candy Mountain is a powerful and poignant novel that explores the complexities of family, identity, and the American Dream. Stegner's vivid prose and nuanced characters make this a must-read for anyone interested in American literature.