In "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" by Wallace Stegner, the protagonist grapples with a deep sense of belonging and identity within the context of American life. The narrative explores the themes of home and the quest for a place in a rapidly changing environment. The characters face challenges that force them to confront their personal and collective ties to the land and society, often reflecting on what it means to feel at home in a country filled with both promise and uncertainty.

As they navigate their journeys, the question of belonging becomes central, with characters asking themselves where they truly fit and what "home" signifies for them. This introspective quest highlights the complexities of American identity, touching upon issues of migration, nostalgia, and the search for stability amidst the turbulence of life. Through their experiences, Stegner invites readers to contemplate their own connections to place and community.