English - A Cadillac Full Of Diamonds Analysis

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Eddy Airiants                Analysis of “A Cadillac Full of Diamonds”                 July 30 2007

        The short story “A Cadillac Full of Diamonds” by John Ciardi is at first glance a ridiculous story of a man who quickly becomes rich.  This anonymous protagonist one day turns serendipitously wealthy by pulling a lever that makes diamonds descend upon him from the sky.  He fills the car full of these diamonds, scrapes to get in, and then attempts to drive home with his newfound affluence.  He is halted, however, when a myriad of obstacles  prevent him from ever reaching home.  

        Told innocently, this story seems little more than an unorthodox way to bring enjoyment to the reader.  Painted with absurd images of the man scrambling naked into his Cadillac and then forever circling his house as his wife carries food to him, the story is however a surprisingly influential metaphor of humanity’s struggle to achieve power and influence.  On a more symbolic level, the story seems to be a criticism of man’s insatiable lust for authority and affluence.

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        The unidentified protagonist is a highly influential character upon the reader.  The reader is helped to embrace the ubiquitous nature of humanity’s greed by not being told the name of the man.  The man’s avarice begins once he secured a large portion of his newfound wealth.  It would seem logical that he should be satisfied by having a trunk full of diamonds; yet, he proceeds to fill his whole vehicle with the gems.  His continuous need for more wealth is telling of human nature: we cannot be satisfied unless we have all which is possible.  

Moreover, the man’s family ...

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