In "American Appetites," Joyce Carol Oates explores themes of human desire and the complexity of nature. The narrative delves into the interplay between human existence and the natural world, suggesting that everything is interconnected. The idea that nature embodies itself in all living beings reflects the philosophical perspective of Schopenhauer, emphasizing the inherent unity within diversity.
Additionally, Oates invites readers to contemplate the primal instincts that drive human appetites. By asserting that nature's essence is present in every creature, she underscores a fundamental truth about our existence. The text encourages a deeper understanding of how our desires are not separate from the natural order, but rather a manifestation of it, highlighting the entwined relationship between humanity and nature.