One theme that is consistent across time frames, both in Part III of Ken Burns’ documentary and John Dos Passos’ “The Big Money” is the often-corrupting effect of war. It is recalled early on in the documentary, for instance, that “after the war (meaning World War II in this case) everyone came back supercharged” (Burns 2:30). This meant that, because of having to endure unfathomable tragedy, and furthermore, because of lost time, folks returning from battle abroad resorted to cheap thrills and hedonism. It is also noted that “songs that openly dealt with cheating and drinking” (Burns 3:50) entered the realm of normalcy as the Post WWII era progressed.
Many consider John Dos Passos to be one of the last “Lost Generation” writers, and upon reading “The Big Money,” it is easy to see the association. Charley Anderson, one of the book’s main characters, also loses himself to fleeting pleasures and self-damaging behaviors. He “booz[ed] around the office,” (Dos Passos 173), had countless affairs, demonstrated a crippling fear of commitment, and eventually let his own greedy pursuits and excessive social life get the best of him. Thus, even though he initially returned a “hero,” this positive regard could not save him from himself.
When trying to make a modern connection, the question arises of whether or not Americans will become “supercharged” following the coronavirus pandemic. Will certain art forms originate out of this time period of suffering, like the foundation of honky tonk music? Will morals and standards shift?
When we compare the life of Charley Anderson with that of Booker T. Washington, for instance, it becomes clear that there is a duality of effects that can be born from suffering. On the one hand, pressure can breed diamonds — however, on the other, it can break people. In the former’s case, he did not let it mold him positively, instead relying on selfish pursuits and distractions. In Washington’s case, he allowed the poverty and suffering of his childhood to motivate him.
Perhaps the main point to be gathered from comparing “The Big Money” and “Up From Slavery” is that a constant pursuit of self-enrichment only leads to implosion, while a noble pursuit of enriching OTHERS after honing your own talents is inherently fulfilling. This seems to not only be consistent with Washington’s overarching philosophy, but also with the grander point that Dos Passos is trying to communicate with his readers.
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