John Lennon, a guy who knew a thing or two about art, famously sang that "life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans." All of the characters in An American in Paris—from Jerry the struggling artist to Milo the scheming socialite to Henri the infatuated boyfriend—lead lives that are complicated by their plans, hopes, and dreams. An American in Paris shows that hopes and dreams can get messy, and things rarely work out as planned. Dreams deferred, or even downright shattered, are the norm. Think about it: if they weren't, the whole world would be populated by rock stars, pro athletes, and space cowboys, and nobody would live in Delaware.
Questions about Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- Is Jerry afraid of success? Give at least two examples to back up your answer.
- How would you describe Lise's dreams, hopes, and plans?
- Do you think Adam will ever finish his concert? Show your work.
- How are Henri's and Milo's plans for the future similar? How are they different?
Chew on This
When it comes to finding success as a painter, Jerry's biggest obstacle is himself.
Jerry knows that Milo's interested in more than his artwork from the very beginning, but he willfully ignores it in order to further his career.