Struggle for Authentic Existence in Norman Mailer's An American Dream

Abstract

This study examines the struggle of the central character, Stephen Richard Rojack in Norman Mailer'sAn American Dream, to define himself through individual choices and actions, and social engagement. The novel traces the protagonist's journey through a hostile world to define himself as an existential hero. Through actions which include murder, escape, criminality and sexual experiences, he defines himself. On his journeytowarddefinition of himself as an existential hero, Rojack faces fear, fatigue, despair and dread and turns them into energy of desperation. Althoughthe struggleis hard,he is triumphant at each and every step because his opponents could not come out of the structure, which is corrupt. Rojack's energy rests on his attempt to break from the pre-established order and to leap toward an authentic existence through individual choice and action. He is the only character in the novel who is not destroyed or defeated.