Norman Mailer's An American Dream: The Character of Steven Rojack

Norman Mailer's An American Dream: The Character of Steven Rojack

In almost every genre of literature there is the classic

antagonist, and the classic protagonist. When examining these

characters, there are certain guidelines which authors

follow. However, there are times in literature when the

classic guidelines are broken, and a new prototype emerges.

Contemporary writer Norman Mailer broke the mold of the classic

character(s) when writing the novel, An American Dream. In An

American Dream, there is no set protagonist or antagonist. In

fact, Mailer has taken these two separate identities and merged

them into one character. The product is the main character of

the novel, Steven Rojack. Throughout the novel the reader

isn't sure if they want him to succeed, or fail. This is due to

Rojack's ever-changing personality. He first seems like the

perfect man, a decorated war hero who knows all the right

people. However, shortly after this impression is made another

is formed. He murders his wife in cold blood and lies to the

police, claimi! ng she committed suicide. As the novel

continues however, Rojack realizes the horror of his crime and even

confesses what he has done to a woman he loves. Due to the

realization of his crime, he is redeemed in the eye of the reader.

From this point on, the reader wants Rojack to succeed. However,

before final judgement can be passed, it is imperative that Rojack^s

entire character be explored.

Steven Rojack is first introduced as a prominent man in society

who becomes recognized due to his decoration in military

service. Through this service he became close with many famous

politicians, Jack Kennedy being one. It is through Jack that

Rojack meets his first wife, Deborah, a woman who he describes

^would be bored with a diamond as big as the Ritz^ (1) After

serving a term in Congress, he and Deborah marry.

Unfortunately, the relationship they have is one in which

Deborah has full control. As he continues to describe the

relationship with his wife it is often filled with bitter

memories. He remembers going to parties where she would

compare his worth to that of another man^s. It is from this

that a bitter hatred stems towards Deborah. Finally, after

seven years of marriage, they separate. However, after the

separation, Deborah^s needs are still covered by Steven, who is

now a college professor and the host of a popular TV show. In

addition to this Deborah main! tains a close contact with him,

seeing him whenever she desires.