# Redemption: A classic American theme?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redemption-a-classic-american-theme/131899>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [October 12, 2002, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redemption-a-classic-american-theme/131899 "2002-10-12T01:07:15Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![KidCharlemagne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\
**Post date:** [October 12, 2002, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redemption-a-classic-american-theme/131899/1 "2002-10-12T01:07:15Z")

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I watched Pulp Fiction again last night and was reminded of a review I once read about it that cited redemption as a classically American theme. I agree that redemption was the theme of the movie but can anyone explain how it’s classically American?

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**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\
**Post date:** [October 12, 2002, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redemption-a-classic-american-theme/131899/2 "2002-10-12T02:32:32Z")

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I think trying to claim it as an American theme is a touch arrogant, since it’s the basis in numerous biblical tales.

Of course, if you’re proud to talk American because that’s what Jesus spoke, then you’re beyond redemption.

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**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\
**Post date:** [October 12, 2002, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redemption-a-classic-american-theme/131899/3 "2002-10-12T20:53:35Z")

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Maybe it’s going through life behaving like a selfish, indulgent jerk while chasing the almighty dollar… then guilt takes over and you need redemption.

Like in the “Royal Tenenbaums”.

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**Author:** ![Jabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5e925/32.png) [@Jabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jabba)\
**Post date:** [October 12, 2002, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redemption-a-classic-american-theme/131899/4 "2002-10-12T21:04:25Z")

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I agree that it would be excessive to claim that redemption is a uniquely American theme. Are you sure it was described as a “classically American theme” and not just a “classic American theme”, which might just mean that it is a popular one in American art?

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**Author:** ![KidCharlemagne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ed8c4c/32.png) [@KidCharlemagne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KidCharlemagne)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2002, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redemption-a-classic-american-theme/131899/5 "2002-10-13T02:06:58Z")

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I should have stuck to the way I phrased it in the subject line. Classic American theme. Still thought it was an odd comment.

I guess k364 doesn’t like Americans?

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**Author:** ![K364](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k364/32/5_2.png) [@K364](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K364)\
**Post date:** [October 13, 2002, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redemption-a-classic-american-theme/131899/6 "2002-10-13T04:48:51Z")

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Actually I really like americans. But their value system is suspect. This would apply to other cultures too.