Ignatius Reilly is a rather peculiar character because he is rebellious and he strives to be different from society and those around him. Although he believes that this is because he is better than everyone else, I feel like it is his outrageous personality that distances him from the other characters in the book. Either way, Ignatius is a character who almost directly refutes many themes prevalent in American Literature. Many of these themes, however, apply to other characters in the book.
The American Dream
The American Dream, or the ability to advance socially and economically, is a theme commonly found throughout American Literature. The idea of the American Dream is also found throughout A Confederacy Of Dunces. In the book, every character except Ignatius is obsessed with improving their socioeconomic status, but most of the characters refuse to work for it. This is seen with Irene early in the novel, when she orders Ignatius to get a job and support the family. Irene wants to have a steady supply of money, be able to afford luxuries, and be respected by people in the town. I found it interesting, as well as frustrating, that she is unwilling to work towards her goal. Although she is constantly forcing Ignatius to get a job or associating with the rich Claude Robichaux, Irene never considers getting a job herself. Despite this fact, the American Dream is still present in Irene’s mind. Jones, on the other hand, was a great example of a person with the true American Dream. He wanted to get a job and make money, but unfortunately he was unable to do so. Because he is black, and the book took place when racism ran rampant, he was unable to make an honest wage. Lana Lee was also a great example of a person with the American Dream because she always talks about her business as her “investment,” and all she wants to do is make money.
As I stated earlier, Ignatius is the one character in the book to which the American Dream does not apply. Instead of trying hard to make money in any way possible, Ignatius prefers sitting at home and writing journals that criticize American society. He does hold small jobs at various times, but never does he put in the effort required to make lots of money. I find this contrast between Ignatius and the other characters interesting and humorous, although it does directly refute a theme I know and love.
Individuality
Interestingly enough, there is one theme from American Literature that Ignatius exemplifies: Individuality. Ignatius is a rebel who hates everything about society, the middle class, and people in general. He has unique views on life that are constantly shown in the book, and he is not influenced by what others think of him. American Literature is always filled with messages that say to be unique and to not give in to what society thinks, and Ignatius does just that.
Ironically, none of the other characters behave like individuals. Irene, for example, molds her personality to please Santa and Claude. All of the other characters are so caught up in the American Dream that they conform to almost everything society says is acceptable. I found this funny because once again, Ignatius is different than all the other characters.
