For over a century, this elusive title has been bestowed upon, debated over, and relentlessly pursued by American authors. But what exactly is the Great American Novel? Is it a singular masterpiece capturing the essence of the American experience? Or is it a more fluid concept, a constellation of works that illuminate different facets of the American identity? Ah, the Great American Novel. A term whispered with reverence, a title craved by ambitious authors, and a concept that has sparked endless debate amongst readers and critics alike. But what exactly is this elusive masterpiece? Is it a singular, definitive work that captures the essence of the American experience in its entirety? Or is it a more fluid concept, a constellation of brilliant novels that each illuminate a different facet of the American identity?