In her book "The Republic of Imagination: America in Three Books," Azar Nafisi reflects on the characteristic endings of American novels, often lacking happiness. This observation highlights a broader commentary on the American ethos, which emphasizes the pursuit of happiness rather than its achievement. The quotation points to a cultural perspective that prioritizes the journey towards happiness over the final destination.

Nafisi suggests that this fundamental aspect of American identity influences literary themes, leading to narratives that rarely culminate in joy. Instead, the focus tends to be on struggles, aspirations, and the complexities of the human experience, illustrating a nation grappling with the notion of fulfillment while still chasing its elusive ideals.