Novalee is unlucky. She's seven months pregnant, homeless and headed to
California for an unknown reason. Her dreams of houses, family and love seem far
away. Willy Jack wants money. He craves boozes, sex and freedom. He finds
himself jobless, with a pregnant girlfriend, and a beat up Plymouth destined for
California. In the Billie Letts novel, Where the heart is the American dream
involves family, friends, and material goods. Both Novalee and Willy Jack are in
search of their dreams, the success of which relies on the decision they make
along the way. Family is an important part of Novalee's dream. Novalee's
childhood was filled with sadness. Her mother deserted her when she was young
and thereafter, she bounced between foster homes until she met Willy Jack. In
Willy Jack, Novalee believes she finds love. To her disappointment she does not.
However, she finds happiness the baby that they made. Her baby becomes center of
strength and her good fortune. She ran her fingers across her navel and thought
of the baby attached to the other side of it, imagining it could feel her touch
so that it might even reach out to her. Page 53. Americus brings Novalee, the
love and family she wants. Willy Jack sees family as an obstacle to pass in
achieving his dream. He has a narrow view of his life. He desperately wants
money and believes nothing else matters but it. Willy does not realize that he
needs the love of others to help him through life. Willy passes up the option of
family early on his quest for his dream. He deserts his pregnant girlfriend in
the parking lot of a Wal-Mart. Leaving her with only $7.77 and the clothes she
is wearing. She could see herself running, calling his name- the parking space
was empty, the Plymouth gone. He was going to California and had left her
behind… Page 16. Willy's desire for money compels him to ditch his family.
Novalee cherishes the help and support friends provide during her pursuit of the
American Dream. Through the help and guidance of her friends she is able to
excel all aspects of her life.
From Moses, a strong, black photographer she is explores her creative flare.
She gains respect from her community by winning the Greater Southwestern Kodak
photography contest. “She was named Employee of the Week at Wal-Mart, the First
National Bank sent a card of congratulations, and the art teacher at the high
school asked her to come to his classes to speak.” Page 216. Novalee takes
picture of her friends who helped her towards her dream, so she never forgets
them. Willy Jack uses his friends as tools, to achieve his dream. When Willy
Jack is thrown in prison, his moneymaking ideas change. He decides he wants to
become a country music star. With the help of the prison librarian he obtains a
guitar, and performing experience. Shortly after his release from prison he
meets Ruth Meyers. Ruth is a talent agent who sets Willy Jack on the path to
stardom. However, Willy Jack’s greed over-powers his judgement. Behind Ruth’s
back Willy Jack tries to bargain a deal with Johnny Desoto, a big time talent
agent. ““Then I’ll get right to the point.” Willy Jack leaned closer to the
table, his tone confidential. “I think Ruth Meyers has gone about as far with me
as she can… She can’t make me rich.”” Page 256. Willy Jack soon learns that Ruth
Meyers should not be toyed with. She learns of Willy Jack unfaithful ways,
cancels his contract and proclaims he’ll never work in show business again. In
search of material goods, Novalee dreams of a house for her family. Novalee does
not wish for large mansions, extravagant cars or designer clothes. All she wants
is house to keep her child safe and warm. Novalee dreamed of houses-two-story
houses, log cabins, condominiums, ranch houses-anything fixed to the ground. She
had never lived in a place that didn’t have wheels under it. Page 7. Novalee
receives her house as a gift from her friend Sister Husband. Willy Jack pursues
enormous wealth at the sacrifice of his health. His first moneymaking scheme had
him headed for California. Where he heard his cousin J. Paul had made a lot of
money working for Union Pacific Railroad. However, J. Paul wealth was a workers
compensation payment for the baby finger he lost while working. Willy Jack
intended on sacrificing his baby finger as well. For Willy Jack, a southpaw, the
little finger of his right hand was absolutely useless. And it was the one he
would sacrifice, the one he intended to trade for greyhounds and race horses.
Page 10. Novalee achieves more in her life then she ever dreamed possible. She
is able to because she is selfless and motivated by the love of her friends and
family. Willy Jack never achieves his dreams of wealth. His failure is a result
of the poor selfish decisions he makes along the way. Nonetheless, the end of
the novel gives the reader a sense of hope for Willy Jack. He is able to admit
he made bad decisions and most importantly he learns that happiness is found in
his heart, not in his wallet.
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