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
That summer, John regains his former job as the industry picks up again. Terrified of experiencing another slump, John and Annabelle try to amass as much wealth as possible, which frustrates Tom Jr. That winter, Milly dies of cancer, and the Shutts are able to give her a nice burial.
John and Annabelle underscore the problem with the capitalist system. Rather than trying to change the underlying policies and problems of the country’s economic system, they instead do all they can to pursue their own fortune. Tom recognizes this, which is what drives him to pursue unionization rather than follow their lead and exacerbate the economic inequality in the country.
Themes
