I don't know if there is an new post about Revolutionary Roads and i thought we had to blog so here is the new blog:
April and Frank are supposedly very sucessful people and have the perfect life, at least in the 1950s perspective. Would you consider this life to be perfect in today's world?
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I feel that from the outside they have a perfect life that today is still desirable. However, with less conformity, more people like to live differently. For example, many people love apartments in New York City. The standard of a suburban life and a symmetrical house with the white picket fence is not as strict as it was in the 1950s.
Just another comment...although from the outside April and Frank have the perfect life, their relationship is far from it. They get into a huge fight, and by the way that Frank refers to this cycle makes it seem like a common occurrence. It seems as if they try to hide their problems from others, trying to conform to be the perfect family.
I wouldn't say anything's perfect, especially life, but everything around the Wheelers seems to be very ideal, even today. They have two kids, he has a job and income, they have all these nice things in their house, two kids, and seem to have friendly neighbors. Today unemployment is one of the country's biggest concerns. However, the two do have a history of fights that covers their seemingly perfect encounter with each other. And of all the things they have, they don't seem to be able to rely on each other. So while everything else about their life seems great, as for a perfect relationship, this is an ideal soap opera scenario.
Yeah I definitely agree with Nikki, I don't think that Alice and Frank really have a perfect life. Just within the first two chapters we witness a huge fight where Frank displays his rage, and Alice ends up sleeping on the couch. I think that most of their relationship is fake and posed. So, clearly, I don't think their relationship would be perfect in today's world, or the 1950's world for that matter.
I think it does still represent the perfect life, because they are the mainstream "American Dream". Frank did not come from very much and built himself up to be a wealthy man with a wife, who doesn't have to work, two children, and a home in Connecticut. I don't think the ideals have changed much at all. Considering what Nikki stated, I don't think everyone necessarily wanted the suburban life in the 1950s, it was just more common because it was the age of Betty Crocker, and the beginning of Suburbia. Before we read the book, I imagined them living in an Edward Scissorhand community, but I do not actually think that is what its like. I think Frank and Alice just represent the average American couple who have achieved the average American dream, but living a life that isn't as perfect as it seems.
i think to the outside view they appear to have a "perfect life" as is the case with many families in todays society. people constantly pretend to be perfect in public to avoid judgement and maintain whatever prestigios impression they may have. but its all artificial and hiding the truth. yes, they are two people who together live the ideal "american" life - however, no matter the time period, i think that the only way to judge the perfection or success of a life is by happiness, and april and frank dont have a very trusting, happy relationship
I think that in today's society, they do not really have a perfect life. Like what Rebecca said, we see the fight between Frank and April. This one shows that their relationship is somewhat flawed. Also, just the way that Frank has to think about every single thing that he says before he actually says it whenever he is talking to April should also show the imperfection. I think that he should not have to do this every time whenever he is speaking to April. I can understand a few times here and there, but really, there is something wrong with the relationship, which would lead me to believe that they do not have perfect lives in today's society.
I believe that April and Frank share what present-day Americans would consider to be a perfect life. As Derek said, they have a house, an income, a family, and an education. They are simply moving along with the trend of 50s America: "Betty Crocker and suburbia," as Olivia mentioned.
However, their private lives to not resemble that of a happy lifestyle, but lets face it, nowhere in the description of the American Dream has happiness ever been included; all I've ever heard is that the perfect American family is defined by zip code, profession and citizenship. There are going to be trials and tribulations in every single marriage, and in some ways it can result in an improved relationship (unless it becomes abuse, then it's bad). However, I will not directly connect this to the Wheeler's because I am not sure how their marriage will end up.
i would consider this to be the perfect life on the outside, but also dealing with many of the problems people are dealing with today. many families have the aurora of a perfect life or lifestyle but on the inside they are truly not happy i would definatelty consider this to be the case with this family. it seems like the husband makes more of an effort than the wife april seems more reserved.
Clayton, I think you make a great point about the American Dream. Instead of happiness, people only focus on money and material things. Although sometimes it has to do with rights, happy relationships are never factored into the American Dream.
With a strained relationship, I think that their lives are definitely far from "perfect". However, in the 1950s or today, I bet that there are (rather unfortunately) a lot of people that are willing to deal with a poor relationship in exchange for the material success that they have. It's sad that many people define happiness and the American dream strictly on material standards, and I bet that Richard Yates will continually drive that point home throughout the novel.
On another note, I was reading the Wikipedia article on Revolutionary Road, and I saw that the author, Richard Yates, commented that that the theme was what we discussed today in class: "that most human beings are inescapably alone". Already, this theme is playing itself out as both Alice and Frank clearly feel alienated from their neighbors.
By the way, just from what we've read so far, does anyone else already think that this is the best thing we have read all year?
yes and no. although they have every material object and all the security they could ever imagine, which to many people (especially in this area) means perfection, their relationship and mental/ emotional lives are wrecks. Externally, yes, but internally, no.
To Clarks question...so far, yes. It is an easier read than the Scarlet Letter and Beloved. Also, I feel that I can relate more to Frank and April than Dean and Sal in On the Road.
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