American Gothic

Since just about everybody worth their salt has attempted to interpret this work, add one more to the list!

I agree with some of what has already been discussed in class. The pair are husband and wife, and the more powerful figure in the work is the husband. He appears stern, world-weary, and strong. Considering this work is from the Depression, many people, especially rural people, were on hard times. As I said, the husband is the stronger figure in the work, and this is evidenced by a couple of things. For one, his image dominates the painting. The pitchfork reinforces this dominance. The wife is more difficult to explain. She is plain, and almost appears weak. Her gaze, just as her husband's expression, can hardly be considered happy. It looks like either fear or awe. Fear of what, I don't know, maybe losing the farm? The pitchfork? Is she in awe of her husband's strength?

Well, there's my two cents. I'm curious as to what others think of this work.