What is “the Great American Novel”?

Question

I’m re-reading Blood Meridian which seems to be regarded as “the Great American Novel” and I have no idea what that actually means.

In: Other

Answer 1

I always thought the “Great American Novel” was supposed to be something that captured the mythological idea of the greatness and ingenuity of the American spirit. Blood Meridian is great, but horrendously dark and joyless.

I see something like Steinbeck’s “The Grapes Of Wrath” as a good contender, but I’m sure some other Redditors can list off other good titles as well.