Journal article
"For Truth, Justice, and the American Way": A Close Reading of an American Sonnet
Southwest review, Vol.98(3), pp.327-340
22 Jun 2013
Abstract
Cohen takes a closer look at the Superman poem in relation to its last line, "For Truth, Justice, and the American Way." Among other things, the idea of "the American Way" in the poem incites a feeling of pride and patriotism. As represented through the figure of Superman, it seems precisely the sort of idea one can stand behind: of being prepared to take responsibility without taking credit, of being mild-mannered most of the time but steadfast and courageous when it is necessary. The vision of Superman, as expressed in the poem, not least because the poem uses language with such simplicity and grace, provides a feel-good moment about what can be done in the lives of mortal men (and women). It is mass culture deleted of its lowest, meanest elements and raised to the level of art and possibility.
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Details
- Title
- "For Truth, Justice, and the American Way": A Close Reading of an American Sonnet
- Creators
- Paula Cohen
- Publication Details
- Southwest review, Vol.98(3), pp.327-340
- Publisher
- Southwest Review
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Pennoni Honors College
- Identifiers
- 991020836461004721