On John Steinbeck's Understanding Of The American Archetype
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Curiosity fuels knowledge. As John Steinbeck grew older, he became curious on how America has changed over time and wanted to see it before he died. Because of this, Steinbeck set out on a journey all across America, hoping, to gain a better understanding of America and the American archetype, documenting it all in his book, "Travels with Charley: In Search of America." Throughout his journey, Steinbeck has interacted with many different people, including Robbie, the actor, and the African American student, all of whom helped him get a better understanding of the American archetype.
The white man at the diner helped Steinbeck understand the American archetype of ignorance. Through his encounter with the man, Steinbeck was able to understand…show more content… From meeting with the student, Steinbeck also learns how African Americans felt about the Civil Rights Movement and what they were doing to gain rights. While talking to Steinbeck about civil rights, the student states that "gains are drops of water and the time is passing. I want it faster, I want action–action now" (Steinbeck 272). This shows how the student fits with the American archetype of change as he was expressing his impatience at the changes to African American rights not happening fast enough. He also felt that action should happen as soon possible and didn't want to wait until he was an old man to be treated equally. Later, the student says that "it's just selfishness. But I want to see it–me–not dead. Here! Me! I want to see it–soon" (Steinbeck 273). This also shows how the student fits the archetype of change as he's telling Steinbeck that he wants things to change with the way African Americans are treated before he dies. The student worries that things might not change by the time he dies, which is why he wants action now. However, there are other people, such as the Cheerleaders who were yelling at the children, that do not think this change is necessary and protest against it