[untenured]

Oh, I knew that, but I 'm not sure what "Great American Novel" means. Is it one that strikes a chord for a certain segment of the population, especially youunger Americans, when it comes out? (In that case, then almost by definition you would be right that "there's a new novel for each generation.") Is it one that, a century or more later, still reflects important American themes. Is it something else entirely?

[Xenalyte]

I think you've just perfectly outlined the dichotomy between me and Xena's Mom. She thinks the GAN is timeless; I think probably not.

[Richard Kimball]

While I think he's implying a rather broad definition, to me the great American novel would indicate several things. First, it would have to have an American theme. Secondly, it would have to speak to an individual generation. The Grapes of Wrath would speak to a different generation than Huck Finn, for example. Third, (IMHO) the book should have had some kind of significant social impact. It should have defined the way (some) Americans view their country or their generation. That would be my interpretation, in any event.