Typical American

Houses and homes reflect the characters’ ambitions and failures. The dirty apartments Ralph lives in during his first few years in America represent his fear, his poverty, and his isolation. Ralph is a stranger in a strange land; he jumps from place to place and sacrifices comfort for survival. The apartment he shares with Helen and Theresa is similarly downtrodden, but at least the reunited family can depend on one another for support. There is a marked difference between Ralph’s previous homes and this apartment, as only one is filled with support and love. The family returns to the building years later to find the walls have fallen apart. The family’s unity and strength kept the roof above their head.

The house in the Connecticut suburbs reflects the family’s success. The home is the realization of Helen and Ralph’s dream and their symbolic attempt to integrate into American society. They grow a lawn and play bridge with the neighbors. The suburban house allows for the pretense that their lives are idyllic. If the building itself seems perfect, then everything inside must also be perfect. This idyllic scene eventually becomes less and less real. Windows are smashed, upholstery is ruined, and the roof begins to leak.