He wants to believe that Shakespeare wrote all those books, that Lincoln fought the Civil War to free the slaves and the United States fought World War II to rescue the Jews and keep the world safe for democracy, that Jesus and the double feature are coming back. But I'm no Panglossian American.
In "The Sellout," Paul Beatty explores the complexities of American beliefs and ideals through the voice of an individual who clings to certain narratives about historical figures and events. The protagonist expresses a desire to uphold cherished myths, such as the notion that Shakespeare was the true author of his works, Lincoln's Civil War intentions were purely altruistic, and that the U.S. fought in WWII for the sake of democracy and humanitarianism. These beliefs reflect a longing for a simpler, more optimistic interpretation of history.
However, the narrator challenges these optimistic views, rejecting a purely naive outlook on American history. By asserting that he is not a "Panglossian" American, he acknowledges the complexities and contradictions of the past. Beatty's work suggests that while some people may wish to believe in a perfect narrative, reality is often far more complicated, requiring a critical examination of the stories we tell ourselves about our history and values.
