Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Flivver King, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Capitalism and Dehumanization
American Idealism and Disillusionment
Misinformation, Media Bias, and Ignorance
Individualism vs. Unionization
Technology and Progress
Summary
Analysis
Ford’s father was a farmer, but Ford learned all he could about machinery growing up and worked hard all his life. Now, in Detroit, Michigan, in 1892, Ford spends all his spare time and money on his invention—often working for days at a time without resting. Then, one evening in April, Ford is able to start his car and drive down the street. When he returns home, he is exultant.
Ford initially becomes an early proof of the American Dream: while his father was a farmer, Ford worked hard and educated himself about machinery. In doing this, he has the opportunity to create a revolutionary invention and rise up the ladder of success.
Themes
