American Gothic

THEMES

• Identity

  The painting explores American identity through the depiction of a stoic farmer and a woman, often interpreted as his daughter or wife.
• Tradition

  With its depiction of rural life, the work reflects traditional American values and conservative ideals of the early 20th century.
• Change versus tradition

  The painting reflects a tension between old-fashioned rural stability and the encroaching modern world.
• Class

  The plain clothing and stern expressions of the subjects reflect working-class dignity, labor, and restraint.
• Autonomy

  The figures stand firmly, suggesting self-reliance and the importance of individual responsibility.
• Stoicism

  The somber expressions and rigid posture of the subjects convey emotional control and endurance in the face of hardship.
• American dream

  The painting critiques and complicates the idea of the American Dream by presenting its grimmer, more laborious side.
• Gender

  The woman’s position and gaze have sparked debates about gender roles, power dynamics, and societal expectations.
• Family

  Whether seen as husband and wife or father and daughter, the pair reflects familial duty and generational ties.
• Society

  The work functions as a mirror of American small-town values, social roles, and tensions during the Great Depression era.
• Humankind

  It captures a broader meditation on human resilience, simplicity, and seriousness in everyday life.
• Art

  Though realist in style, it is filled with symbolic choices that offer commentary on culture and ideology.
• Morality

  The solemn, almost puritanical tone of the piece has been associated with strict moral codes and ethical rigidity.
• Honesty

  The painting’s subjects embody plainness and directness, often interpreted as representations of honesty and integrity.
• Nationalism

  In the context of the Great Depression, the painting has been read as a celebration—or critique—of American resilience and values.