Travel as Freedom and Self-Discovery

This section analyzes Walt Whitman's poem "Song of the Open Road" from his collection "Leaves of Grass" (1856).

The poem presents travel as a liberating experience:

• The narrator feels "healthy" and "free" on the open road
• There's a sense of leaving civilization behind
• The traveler expresses self-confidence and contentment

Quote: "[He's] not [asking] good-fortune, [he is himself] good-fortune"

However, the poem also reveals the complexity of travel:

• The narrator still carries "old delicious burdens"
• This suggests that one can't entirely escape their past or memories

Highlight: The oxymoron "delicious burdens" implies that even while traveling without possessions, one is still bound to carry memories, both pleasant and painful.

The analysis then shifts to Chris McCandless's story, as told in Jon Krakauer's book "Into the Wild" and its film adaptation.

Key points about McCandless's journey:

• He was a 24-year-old who rejected capitalism and consumer society
• He traveled across America, changing his name to Alex Supertramp
• His journey was influenced by writers like Jack London and Henry-David Thoreau

Example: McCandless's story exemplifies how travel in American culture often represents a search for meaning and escape from societal norms.

The analysis concludes that McCandless's journey was not just about nature exploration but a profound journey of self-discovery.

Quote: "HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED" - Chris McCandless's final realization

This poignant conclusion highlights the dual nature of travel in American culture - as both an escape and a path to understanding the importance of human connection.

The Complexities of Travel and the American Dream

This section delves deeper into the themes presented earlier, exploring how travel intersects with the concept of the American Dream and personal growth.

The analysis of "Of Mice and Men" and the Great Depression era reveals:

• Travel as a necessity for survival during economic hardship
• The pursuit of the American Dream through migration
• The harsh realities faced by those seeking a better life

Highlight: The Great Depression forced many Americans to become travelers out of necessity, challenging the traditional notion of the American Dream.

Walt Whitman's "Song of the Open Road" presents a more romanticized view of travel:

• Travel as a means of personal liberation
• The open road as a symbol of endless possibilities
• The duality of freedom and the inability to fully escape one's past

Definition: The "American Dream" typically refers to the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.

Chris McCandless's story in "Into the Wild" brings these themes into a modern context:

• Rejection of societal norms and materialism
• Travel as a form of rebellion and self-discovery
• The ultimate realization of the importance of human connection

Example: McCandless's journey from a "normal" life to living in the Alaskan wilderness exemplifies the extreme lengths some go to in search of meaning and authenticity.

The document concludes by emphasizing that travel in American culture is often portrayed as:

• A physical journey through diverse landscapes
• An emotional and psychological journey of self-discovery
• A means of challenging or redefining the American Dream

Vocabulary: "Soft power" refers to a persuasive approach to international relations, typically involving cultural influence. The limites du soft power américain (limits of American soft power) can be seen in how these narratives of travel and the American Dream are received globally.

This analysis demonstrates how travel narratives in American literature and culture reflect broader societal issues, personal struggles, and the evolving concept of the American Dream.

Introduction: Travel in American Culture and Literature

The introduction sets the stage for an exploration of travel's representation in American culture and literature. It emphasizes that travel is not just about physical movement but also a journey of self-discovery.

Highlight: The portfolio raises the issue of the representation of travel in American culture and literature, examining the reasons why people travel and how it often becomes a journey through oneself.

The first document analyzed is a picture from the movie adaptation of John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men". This work is set during the Great Depression and follows two migrant workers in California.

Definition: The Great Depression was a severe economic downturn in the 1930s that greatly impacted American society and culture.

The story of George and Lennie reflects the harsh realities of the era, including:

• The struggles of migrant workers
• The pursuit of the American Dream
• The living conditions of tenant farmers

Example: The book mentions characters' dreams and goals, representing the American Dream in the context of 1930s agricultural California.

The second document discusses migration during the Great Depression, introducing the term "Okies" for farmers who left their drought-stricken lands.

Vocabulary: "Okies" referred to farmers, primarily from Oklahoma, who migrated to California during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.

Key points from this document include:

• Millions of men traveled the country seeking work
• City-dwellers moved to rural areas in search of employment
• Some regions established "border blockades" to prevent poor migrants from entering

Quote: "Millions of men were on the roads and rails travelling the country"

The analysis transitions to how travel can be seen as a way out and its central role in American culture.