American dream (Motif)
The journey of the eponymous character exudes the idea of the American dream. The path that begins from a humble background towards achieving one’s epitome of success. The motif is explored from the notion of whether the dream is worth the toil and hustle to the top. Through the protagonist, the narrative acknowledges its viability but raises the question of its fulfillment.
Hubris (Motif)
It is no doubt that Martin is overly ambitious and a visionary hence his great success and wealth. The hunger to pursue and to never cease that he displays goes beyond money or fame. For him is about the satisfaction that he will attain by achieving a particular venture. Therefore the lack of fulfillment despite his successes shows that his dreams lack bounds hence a victim of hubris.
Finding purpose (Motif)
Contentment and fulfillment are the main focus of this narrative about chasing the American dream. Martin is the epitome of success following his path of outlandish dreams and ambition. However, the question remains is he content or fulfilled with his achievements or will he be eventually. He found his purpose in his journey up the corporate ladder but the lack of satisfaction begs to differ. Thus, the narrative highlights the nature of purpose and the idea of finding it.
Metropolitan structures (Symbol)
The narrative is set on the backdrop of New York City at the turn of the twentieth century. Consequently, the narrator vividly describes the city buildings and the changing dynamic of the urban center. The structure symbolizes the new capitalist society growing rapidly as the free market expands. Furthermore, the transformation depicts the diversity and social alienation that the urban spectacle of the new century fosters.
