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Ford has been making the Model T for 18 years, and Americans are growing sick of its outdated style and single black color option. Other car companies have started to make new models with yellow paint jobs or grey leather upholstery. Executives try to persuade Ford to change his model, but he simply kicks out anyone who opposes his will. However, the public has its say, too, and they buy fewer and fewer Fords. Thus, after 19 years and $7 billion earned, Ford decides to move on from the Model T.
The more Ford’s desire for profit, the more he acts as a tyrant, just as the title of the book suggests. Even though the executives are correct about creating new products, Ford refuses to entertain anyone who disagrees with him and instead simply throws them out of his kingdom, demonstrating his slipping humanity.
Themes
