Nationalism, the American Western, and a Changing Sense of American Identity

John Ford's 1939 film, Stagecoach, is considered the breakout film of John Wayne. The film also inspired young Orson Welles's cinematic masterpiece, Citizen Kane. According to Welles himself, he watched Stagecoach over 40 times while developing Kane. 

Watch the film in its entirety here:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/249577

Here are some essays on the film and its importance:

• Tim Dirk's Analysis of Stagecoach: http://www.filmsite.org/stagec.html

• "What's the Big Deal?: Stagecoach":http://www.film.com/movies/whats-the-big-deal-stagecoach-1939

• Stagecoach: Taking the Stage: http://www.criterion.com/current/posts/1472-stagecoach-taking-the-stage

Relevant quotes from the film regarding American identity (Remember: this film was made in 1939... the country was still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression and WWII was looming.)

Henry Gatewood - a greedy banker

• "What's good for the banks is good for the country."
• "Instead of protecting businessmen, it [the government] pokes its nose into business."
• "What this country needs is a businessman for a president."

Dr. Josiah Boone - a drunk with a good heart

• "We are the victims of a foul disease called social prejudice..."
• "I'm not only a philosopher, sir, I'm a fatalist. Somewhere, sometime, there may be the right bullet or the wrong bottle waiting for Josiah Boone. Why worry when or where?"

Ringo - a wronged kid looking for vengeance 

• "Well, I guess you can't break out of prison and into society in the same week."
• "There are some things that a man just can't run away from."

All of this will culminate in a writing task inspired by an actual college level writing prompt. You will explore how westerns portray the following themes:

• Masculinity (the lone cowboy)
• Nationalism
• Multiculturalism
• Transnationalism

As the week continues, we will watch additional westerns and trace how these themes are portrayed differently.

For now, pick one of the quotes listed above and reflect on its relevancy to America and the American identity.

Your response is due by Thursday, 4/30. Late responses simply won't count.