Ethan Canin, in a rather compelling story, seeks to explore the life of the narrator in the story, Corey Sifter. The novel talks about different themes but best of all is the theme of class, wealth and power. Corey is a young boy from humble beginnings, a lower class boy that was hired by the wealthy, high class Metarey family. Through these two back grounds the theme of class and wealth is introduced.
Being rich and therefore belonging to the first class means that one can determine the future of not only an individual but also a region and even a nation. In the context of Corey, his life takes a complete turn when Liam Metarey offers to take him to private school and later hires him, to be an aide of Henry Bonwiller (Canin, 40), very ambitious Senator of New York. His life therefore takes a complete about turn, from a middle class family to the high end life of “first” living.
On the other hand, Metarey goes on to help finance Henry Bonwiller in his bid for the presidency (Canin, 60). He tries his hand in politics, indirectly by using his resources to finance Bonwiller. He, as a member of the high social class has the powers, the money and the influence that one can use to get what they want. In as much as Bonwiller does not get there, it is evident that, if he could, he could have changed his life and the country dramatically.
It is therefore evident in the book that wealth and class can be used to influence a lot of things in society including, people and politics. If only Bonwiller could have won then Metarey could have been the mastermind by use of his position. Of course he can be felt in the life of Corey because he sees him through private and expensive schooling, something his biological parents may never have given him.
Work Cited
Canin, Ethan. America America. New York: Random House. 2009
