THE AMERICAN MYTH OF SUCCES AS REFLECTED BY JOHN GRISHAM IN HIS BEST SELLER NOVEL ‘THE FIRM’.

THE AMERICAN MYTH OF SUCCES AS REFLECTED
BY JOHN GRISHAM IN HIS BEST SELLER NOVEL
‘THE FIRM’

MINOR THESIS

Submitted as a Partial Fulfillment
as Requirement For Sarjana Degree
in English Department Faculty of Letters And Fine Arts

By
RIRIS EKO ARSANTI
C. 0395009

FACULTY OF LETTERS AND FINE ARTS
SEBELAS MARET UNIVERSITY
SURAKARTA
2003

Approved to be examined before The Board of Examiners
Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts

Sebelas Maret University

Thesis Supervisors:
1. Dra Hj. Tri retno Pudyastuti
NIP 131 472 639

(……………………...)

2. Dra. Susilorini, MA
NIP 132 000 807

(……………………...)

ii

Accepted and Approved by The Board of Examiners
Faculty of Letters, Sebelas Maret University
On April 29, 2003

The Board of Examiners

1.Drs. Riyadi Santosa, M.Ed.
Chairman

(………………………...)
NIP. 131 569 264

2. Fitria Akhmerti Primasita, SS., MA.
Secretary

(………………………...)
NIP. 132 205 442

3. Dra. Hj. Tri Retno Pudyastuti, M.Hum.
First Examiner

(………………………...)
NIP. 131 472 639

4. Dra. Susilorini, MA.

Second Examiner

(………………………...)
NIP. 132 000 807

Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts
Sebelas Maret University

Dean

Dr. Maryono Dwirahardjo, SU.
NIP. 130 675 167

iii

Motto
Allah kelak akan memberikan kelapangan sesudah kesempitan (kesusahan).
(QS ath-Thalaq ayat 7)

Allah tidak membebani seseorang melainkan sesuai dengan kesanggupannya

(Q.S. Al-Baqarah ayat 286)

The biggest spirit and the biggest enemy comes nowhere but inside you
(Myself)

Pekerjaan menunda-nunda hampir pasti mengundang masalah
bila tidak ada perhitungan yang benar.
(Aa Gym)

Make your wish and go for it
(Myself)

iv

DEDICATION
With all my heart, I dedicate this thesis to the persons who have taught me
how to be stronger than before:
My beloved late father and my mother, who has given me
the best love, patience and support in all my life. I am so
lucky having you all in this world.

Simbahku, I am very sorry if I did something wrong.
My dearest brother, Dwi Wijanarko
Thanks for supporting me when everything seems going
wrong in my darkest days.

v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Alhamdullilah! First of all I would state my highest gratitude to the
Mighty Allah, The One, Who Always give me his glory and secret blessing even
when sometimes I ignore Him. I thank Him for giving me chance and time to
finish this exhausting study.
I realize that I will not be able to finish this thesis without the help and
contribution of many people. In this opportunity I would like to thank to:
1. Dr. Maryono Dwi Raharjo, SU, the Dean of Faculty of Letter and Fine Arts
2. Drs. Riyadi Santosa M.Ed, the Chief of English Department, who gave me his
permission and guidance to finish my study and thesis.
3. Drs. Sudarno, M.A, the first assistance of Dean of Faculty of Letters, who
allowed my thesis being examined.
4. Dra. Hj. Tri Retno Pudyastuti, my first thesis consultant. I gratitude her who

has given me her immeasurable guidance and support for the perfection of the
thesis and I am very sorry to trouble her.
5. Dra. Susilorini, MA, my second consultant. I would state my appreciation for
her patience, understanding and supporting idea in finishing the thesis.
6. Prof. Dr. Thomas Soemarno, MPd, as my Academic Advisor. I would thank
him for his guidance during my study.
7. Pak Kirjo and Pak Harto. Without their help I do not know how to finish my
thesis.

vi

8. Ibu Sunarti, my mother and my late father, Munandar, thank you for the love
and sacrifices you’ve all given me. Without all of your assistance I am still
nothing is this world.
9. My brother, Wewek, bro, our journey is still in the beginning. Keep fighting
and praying.
10. To my old special friend of “Giri Ayu”, Aanisandro Del Piero, Ita “Fillipo”,
Henny “Si Banyu”, and Anty “the amazing” and her friends (Mas Bowo,
Andri Irawan, mas-mas makasih tumpangannya). Thanks for the great time
together. With you all guys, I experienced so many wonderful unforgettable

moments.
11. All of Al-Ashr’s members: Miftah, Yu Aas (Thanks for providing me with

excellent food, music, motor and room), De’ Ety (Keep your commitment, and
let’s dance), De’ Ira S.H and her Dimas (ojo pacaran wae, ono setan lewat),
Asfi (play your guitar, ngamen, yuk!), De’ Norma (Thanks, sorry ngrepotin
ae), Putu (nonton tv terus, makasih motore), Era & Ita (wake up, girls) and my
other sisters Ira Bj, Rini (latah is the best), Isna, Tatik, Yayan, Ayu, (keep
studying),Yuyun, and Ana.
12. My friend of English Department ’95: Melly and Dewi (I am glad to have
friends like you), Ido (thanks for the spirit), Dana (Finally, we’ve made it up),
Nana, Desi, Imut, Roni, Anwar, Arif, Laila and all of you, that cannot be
mentioned in here.
13. The “MFC”: Ririn, Eva, Si Sum, Erli, and Dian (Where are you, guys?). Hope
you all always be happy!

vii

14. Mr.”T”, ( The hiding guy). Hi, man, everything is meant to be. We will never
know Alloh’s plans. Just be happy and enjoy your life.

Finally , I hope this invaluable thesis might be useful to people who
share the similar interest.

Surakarta,

2003

The writer

viii

The American Myth of Success as Reflected By John Grisham in his bestseller
novel The Firm
Name: Riris Eko Arsanti
Nim : C.0395009
Abstract
This minor thesis discussed about one of American popular literature, that
was written by John Grisam. The researcher was interested so much in exploring the
American myth of success which was reflected by John Grisham in his novel The
Firm.

The research took the form of library research that utilizing the descriptive
technique. The approaches used in this thesis to analize the main data, Grisham’s
The Firm, were sociology and cultural anthropology. These approaches were useful
to elaborate and and comprehend the American myth of success phenomenon which
was revealed in The Firm.
Based on analysis, it was found that the American myth of success had
inspired some characters in the novel (lawyers, law firm and FBI agents) to work
hard and realize their dreams. The myth of success had played roles in shaping some
of American modern people habit, opinion and way of life. Also it was found that to
some people’s opinion myth of success was connoted with the attaining of material
objects but not to the others’. Finnally it can be concluded that American myth of
success was seen differently by some of American people. It can also be pointed that
some of American people applied different way to achieve success.
1. Introduction
1.1. Background of Choosing The Subject
Popular culture, indeed, plays important role in the development of
American contemporary culture and society. Through its media such as, television,
radio, magazines and newspaper, advertisement or book, it brings great influence on
American people's way of life, opinion, habit and attitude.
However, it does not mean that American popular culture can be used as a

barometer to depict the real social condition at particular time. Popular culture
merely confirms and reflects the universal belief, values, concepts and ideas already

1

known by the audience. It confirms the experience of the majority as written by
Russell Nye, “Popular culture confirms the experience of majority in contrast to elite
art, which tends to explore the new. For this reason, popular art has been a usually
sensitive and accurate reflector of attitudes and concerns of the society for which it is
produced" (Rusell Nye, 1970: 10).
There are many aspects and segments of popular culture that can be studied.
Among them is about the myth, that its existence brings great influence to some of
American people. Myth of American hero, myth of success, myth of freedom and so
forth, are often being exposed and exploited in motion pictures, fashion,
advertisement, best-seller novels, and other products. Those myths are believed to be
true by the audience, although most of them are not. Sometimes those myths are used
as a guideline by the people to live their life. Therefore, the writer wants to reveal the
American myth that is reflected by a popular literature through one of John
Grisham's novel.
The American myth that will be discussed in this thesis through John

Grisham's novel is the myth of success. John Grisham is an outstanding author who
get the predicate as the master of legal thriller for the success of his novels such as: A
Time to Kill, The Client, The Pelican Brief, The Street Lawyer. Since, Grisham’s
works are cathegorized as popular novel, they carried out the common values and
concepts that quite familiar to audience. All of Grisham’s novels offer the similar
theme that is the American law and crime. However, supported by his experience as
defense lawyer for several years, Grisham can always create an outstanding novel.
He is able to tell in detail about courtroom drama, criminal cases or procedures in

2

American law. Grisham got a lot of compliment from local paper and magazines, like
this written by The Commercial Appeal, “…A winner. …Positioned to fly off the
bookshelves… Grisham a criminal dfense lawyer, has an eye for the detail of his
profession, whereever his plot goes, the novel carries the authencity of someone who
has been there and paying attention…” (The Commercial Appeal in The Firm,
1991:iii). Therefore one of John Grisham novel entitled The Firm is going discussed
in this study.
The Firm is chosen in this discussion since it can give a description about
how myth of success is regarded and applied by some members of American modern
society, in this case lawyers and the FBI agents. This novel also described that dream
of being

succes can encourage someone to get up from poverty and become

millionaire. Besides, The Firm also confirmed the general belief that myth of succes
is always connoted with the material object, such as finest clothes, job, housing or
automobile and the hard work is believed to be the key to afford it.
The Firm was John Grisham' s second novel published in 1991. Spending
47 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, The Firm became the bestselling
novel of 1991. It is the story of a hotshot young attorney lured to an apparently law
firm that was not it appeared (http://www.randomhouse.com). Similar to the other
novels, this novel also exposes some common and critical issues on American law
and crimes, like murders or money laundering.
Mitch McDree, the main character of this novel is described as a lawyer
newly graduated from Harvard College, who seek for success. He dreams of being a
successful lawyer by joining a law firm, name Bendini and Lambert. And his hard

3

work is started from here. Besides, in this novel is also explained about the hard
work of the FBI agents to enforce the law and the Mafia family to cover up their
illegitimate business.
The phenomenon found in this novel will show that the meaning of success
is seen differently by the American people. In this study the discussion is going to
describe the ways some of the American to make their dream come true in a such
competitive rude world as seen in John Grisham’s novel The Firm.
1.2. Problem Statement
Considering the explanation and reasons, therefore the writer formulates the
problems as follows: How is the American myth of success related with the
American Law and crime as reflected by John Gresham through his novel The Firm?
1.3. Literature Review
1.3.1. Theoretical Approach
Research on popular culture, mass culture or media culture has been widely
known and labelled 'cultural studies', which refers to the study of cultural artefacts or
texts offered by the producers to the audience. It can be box office movies, rap
music, popular singers like Madonna or Michael Jackson or it can just be a car or a
can of soft-drink. Seen artefacts or texts can be as simple as the words on page or as
complex as the performance of a play.
The importance of popular fiction in the American modern society has long
been realized by many scholar from different kind of disciplines. It has significant
roles in shaping people’s habit, behavior and life style. Popular fiction is always
created to please amount of people, consequently it must be able to communicate the

4

values, concepts or beliefs that can be easily accepted and comprehended. In the
other hand, audience often identify themselves to the characters or problems
presented in a popular fiction. Hence, it can be said that between popular fiction and
society exist a unique relationship. That the authors of popular fiction need the
society as their sources of inspiration, in contrast the society need that fiction as
escapism.
In fact, research on popular fiction can involve so many complicated
theories

and

approaches

such

as

sociological,

historical,

psychological,

anthropological and many more. And in this thesis, to analize and to study John
Grisham’s novel The Firm sociological and cultural anthropological approaches will
be applied. This application is in line with R. Spiller’s statement in his book Late
Harvest :
The application to the American field of new concepts, material and
methods of cultural and comparative-cultural studies in the disciplines of
sociology and cultural anthropology. Such study might involve artifacts,
values, social institution, role, behavioral habits, concepts or any other
factors that form meaningful cultural configuration when limited and
defined by an area and period of time. And mass media is obviously rich
source for material for such study (Spiller, 1982:225).
Based on Spiller explanation, sociological and cultural anthropological
approaches can provide more needed complete information . Sociological approach
is used in this thesis, since it will be useful to understand the common phenomenon
and issues exposed by Grisham in his novel The Firm. Because, in his creating
proccess, Grisham was definetely inspired by the values, problems or concepts that
existed in society. By applying sociological approach the comprehension toward
those aspect will be better.

5

Besides, cultural anthropology approach is also going to be used in this
discussion. Cultural anthropology is a branch of anthropology disciplines, that
according to Marvin Harries provides a global and and comparative perspective for
understanding the origin and prospects of the modern world (Marvin Harries,
1994:xv). Moreover he stated that it will help people learning about the customs and
belief of people who are alive today or who lived in recent past—people who inhabit
great cities and are citizens of superpowers, as well as people who live in tiny desert
bands and remote jungle village (Marvin Harries, 1994:xv).
So, cultural anthropology will be heplful in analyzing some cultural product
of modern people, including the product of popular culture. He said that, ‘cultural
anthropology deals with the description and anaysis of cultures—the socially learned
traditions—of past and present ages. Furthermore Harries explained:
…It will tell you about your own customs and beliefs—how they originated,
why they are maintaned, and why they are changing. In other words, it will
tell you a good deal about who you are and why you and your relatives,
friends, and fellow citizens think and act in certain ways and not in others
(Marvin Harries, 1994:xv).
Cultural anthropological approach is going to be applied in this discussion
since The Firm can be classified as a cultural product which was created by a
member of American society. This approach will be useful to comprehend the
implementation of myth of success of the certain members of American society, in
this case lawyers and FBI agents. Also this approach will describe about some
aspects that shape the concepts of myth of success and how myth of success can
establish certain habit and way of life of some people.
1.3.2. The American Modern Society

6

The United States of America will still be seen as 'a land of opportunity' by
its people and the people of another country, even in this modern era. This country
give equal chances for all of people to have successful life and realize their dreams.
It is like stated by Polludan, '...that America had remained a 'land of opportunity'
offering to all the chance to improve their material and spiritual well being'
(Polludan, 1978:2).
Not all of American people live in a happy prosperous life, still many of
them is below the poverty line. As informed by US Information Agency that, 'about
fourteen percent of the population is below the poverty line established by the federal
government. In 1982 the poverty line for non-farm family was an annual income of $
9,860. Families of that size that have less income are eligible to receive benefits from
special social welfare programs. However, there are three-fifth of all families and
individuals in the middle or high rank. They are able to afford the basic need- food,
shelter and clothing- but also many of the comforts of modern living. Workers have
become major consumers of the good they produce. They are individuals in the
middle or high rank (US Information Agency, 1986:65).
The members of American modern society always dream of being
successful in improving their material and spiritual well. The basis definition for
success is material object and hard work is believed to be the key of success, as
stated by Paludan:
The basis for the American definition of success was material. The
qualitative worth of individuals was measured in quantitative term. If you
were a worthwhile human being it was assumed you work hard and
conversely, if you worked hard, you would have something to show it
(Paludan, 1978:6).

7

From that statement can be seen that an individuals considered as a
worthwhile human being if he acquire such things as: congenial employment, fancy
houses or the latest expensive cars. Success also might be associated with the
realization of some of component of the American Dream. It is like written by
Marsden:
Myth of success is considered as the material and spiritual achievements of
the American, which may be associated with the realization of some
component of the American Dream. The myth of success connotes the
actualization of American prosperous life as reflected in the accumulation of
material object and food (Marsden, 1995: 420).
Myth of success has encouraged people to have dreams and to make it come
true. It is believed that success will be in hand if people are willing to work hard.
However, Marsden, argued that "it would be a great mistake to say that because of
the basis of reality, the American myth of success is therefore "true". We need only
open the daily newspaper to find that a commitment to hard work does not always
insure success. But in collective American mind this does not make the hard work as
prelude to success equal to lie" (Marsden in Singh, 1995:420-421).
One of many devices that has played important role in giving idea and
example what is meant by success is popular culture. Through the popular media as,
television, advertisement or motion picture it suggest the American modern society
what to do and not to do in reaching success. The center of American succes never
goes far away from material objects. Dealing with this matter, Wilson stated:
Individuals in our our new mass-society are still struggling to regain their
identity, but many of them seem to belive that the best way to establish that
identity is through the purchase of the “right” types of consumer goods. The
industrial-age holds the more material goods a person acquire, the better off
he or she is (Wilson, 1995:34).

8

It seems that hard work is viewed as an important aspect if someone wants
to be success in United States. Even there is a belief that the poorer you are, the more
you should save, and the harder you should work: "The first principle is that in order
to move up, the poor must not only work, they must work harder that the class above
them (Gilden in Harris, 1990:370).
Success was seen as the result of hard work by individual and therefore
evidence of strong moral character; failure by definition was seen as an admission of
personal weakness or laziness (Paludan, 1978:6).
The American myth of success and hard work as its essential key will linger
forever in the collective mind of American people. It will always be a part of
American Dream.

2. Analysis
People, who live in United States, are free in having their own ideal dream
and to make it come true. United States gives equal chances for its people to improve
their material and spiritual well being. The equal opportunity, individual selfimprovement, and economic prosperity for all were thought to be essential
ingredients of the "American Dream", a dream that had come true for many
(Paludan, 1978:3).
In achieving their dreams, not all of American people follow the rules.
Some of them only think about earning the money as much as possible while taking
the simpliest and easiest way. For those people the most important thing are profit
and the others' interest are nothings. Success in having more and more material

9

objects has made people work harder and do their best efforts. John Grisham in his
novel The Firm captured this phenomena. It gives description that in attaining
success people can do anything. This novel also tells that success will have different
meaning for different people. What is the meaning of success to Mitchell McDeere
will be different with the meaning of success in the FBI agents' minds or the owner
of a law firm. In this section is going to be discussed deeply about the meaning of
success related with the American law and crime.
Mitchell McDeere, the main character of this novel, is described as a newly
graduated lawyer from the Harvard Law School. This man is dreaming of job that
could satisfy his need and equal with hard work he had managed during his school.
And his intention is joining a firm that offering him the highest salary and some
comfort things. Actually he was holding three jobs offers and it is The Bendini and
Lambert Law firm, that offered the highest salary of all. Finally, Micth decided to
choose that firm. In this firm he works like a machine and dreamed of being a partner
as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the firm is owned by the a Mafia family, The
Morolto Family. This firm had long been watched by The FBI for their illegal
business like tax evasion, money laundering and racketeering. In that firm Mitch is
almost next to realizing all his dreams.
Mithcell McDeere, who come from a poor family, is dying of getting
success in his life. He had worked hard in his life, that can be seen ain the statement
below.
They know he had been neglected, raised in poverty by his brother (whom
they could not find) and some sympatethic relatives. They poverty hurt, and
they assumed, correctly, it had bred the intense desire to success. He had
worked thirty hours a week at an all-night convinience store while playing

10

football and making perfect grades. They know he seldom slept. They knew
he was hungry. He was their man. (TF, p.12).
Poverty has motivated Mitch to work harder than anybody else. This belief
is also shared by some of American people that the poorer you are, the more you
should save and the harder you should work. (Harris, 1990:370). From that
expression Grisham point out that poverty can serve as an one of the important
factors in instigating people to improve their material and spiritual well-being.
Besides, Grisham also reveals that poverty can characterize people’s way of life and
thinking.
To achieve his biggest dream as taxation lawyer, Mitch decides to take his
further study in Harvard. Harvard is one of American outstanding university that
every young people dream of being its student. Harvard has resulted graduation that
having best quality.
"Why did you select Harvard?"
"Actually, Harvard selected me. I applied at several schools and accepted
everywhere. Harvard offered me financial assistance. I thought it was the
best school. Still do" (TF, p.2).
From this statement, it can be seen that Grisham tries to confirm the general
belief about what school considered best in USA. Grisham also want to say that if
one want to have success, he or she must choose a good school with the best
programs. Education is very important aspect. Because, it will determine what kind
of job someone deserve based on his grade and marks. Education will also make
people more well-respected. In this novel Mitch McDeere was descibed a good and
clever student, he acted nicely, never using drugs, drinking only an occasional beer
rejecting the opportunity to cheat on a securities exam during his second year. And

11

he made the highest grade in the class. This statement below also confirms the
opinion that one with good educational background is very respected.
You've done quite well here Mitch," Mr. :Lambert said, admiring the
resume. The dossier was in the briefcase, under the table.
"Thank you, I've worked hard."
"You made extremely high grades in your tax and securities courses."
"That's where may interest lies."
"We've reviewed your writing sample and it's quite impressive."
A profession, that still believed to offer many pleasure is lawyer. For many
years, a lawyer is regarded as a profession that can make a person multimillionaire.
And John Grisham tried to confirm this assumption in The Firm, that can be seen
from the law firm's explanation and promises to Mitch McDeere in his first
interview.
"The partners smiled each other, and Mr. Lambert spoke first, "Okay. A
base salary of eighty thousand the first year, plus bonuses. Eighty –five in
the second year, plus bonuses. A low interest mortgage so you can buy
ahome. Two country club membership. And a new BMW, you pick the
color, of course.
"That's incredible," he mumbled. Eighty thousand in Memphis equaled a
hundred and twenty thousand in New York. (TF, p.9).
Such salary was immense, since in that time the average worker can afford
to buy an automobile every six or seven years (US Information Agency, 1986:67).
While in this novel is mentioned that a lawyer can buy a new BMW car within two
years. The statement by John Grisham is only used as a symbol that being a lawyer
means you can earn much more money than the other profession. Lawyers are also
often connoted with greediness and fakeness. Some of people belief that most of
American lawyer work only for money an popularity. This such belief has developed
since the colonial era until today. In The Firm Grisham confirm this belief as seen in
this expression.

12

"...We take only rich clients - corporation, bank and wealthy people who
pay our healthy fees and never complain. We've developed a specialty in
international taxation, and it's both exiting and very profitable. We deal
only with people who can pay "(TF, p.9).
And there are still many pleasure offered by occupation as lawyers., as
joining an elite club or riding an expensive car,. It can be seen from this statement.
The Manhattan Club occupied the top floor of ten-story office building
which had last been fully occupied in the early fifties. Avery referred to
the structure as a dump but was quick to point that the club was the most
exclusive lunch and dinner refuge in city. It offered excellent food, in an all
-male rich-male, plush environment. Powerful lunches for powerful people.
Bankers, lawyers, executives, entrepreneurs, a few politician and a few
aristocrats. A gold-plated elevator ran nonstop past the deserted offices and
stopped on the elegant tenth floor.(TF, p.62).
For lawyers joining an elite club or riding an expensive car have become a
way of life. For lawyers, a club is often used as a place to meet with many more
important people, build a beneficial partnership and more rich clients. Being a
lawyer also means open up the opportunity of having excellent political career.
Mitch McDeree finally, decides to work with the firm in order to get succes
he had dreaming of. And it seems that The Bendini and Lambert law firm can satisfy
his desire of success. In this novel, Grisham stresess that nothing come easily, so do
the success, there are a lot of things that should be sacrifice. But mostly, one thing
that must be sacrificed by individual to achieve success is time. It is shown by the
statement below.
"There's always the pressure to bill more and more. All we have to sell is
our time. Once you pass the par the bar exam your billing will be monitored
weekly by Tolar and Royce McKnight. It's all computerized and they can
tell down to the dime how productive you are. You'll be expected to bill
thirty to forty hours a week for the first six months. Then fifty for a couple
years, Before they'll consider you for a partner, you've got to hit sixty hours
a week consistently over period of years."
"That's a lot of hours."

13

"Sounds that way, but it's deceptive. Most good lawyer can work eight to
nine hours a day and bill twelve." (TF,p.67-68).
It is not a wonder when a lawyer in that firm works around the clock. The
members of that firm do not mind how many hour they had spent but how much they
can bill in each day.
Mitch flipped through the document. "How many hours a day do I work on
this?"
"As many as possible. I know the bar exam is important, but so is Sonny
Capps. He paid us almost a half million last year in legal fees.
"I'll get it done."
"I know you will. As I told you, your rate is one hundred an hour. Nina
will go over the time records with you today.
Remember, don't ignore the billing."
“How could I forget?"
Once a lawyer enters the firm, he will enforce to work harder and harder
until become a partner. Becoming the partner form as the biggest dream of every new
associate in the firm. And Mitch as the newest associate also posses the same dream.
His bigest dream is becoming the partner within two years. He has already broken,
and he wannted he money (TF, p: 40).
One of the firm’s partner of, Avery, described Mitch as a machine, that he
never got tired of working almost around the clock. It is shown by this statement.
The Capps crisis passed in two weeks without disaster, thanks largely to a
string of eighteen-hour days by the newest member of firm, a member who
had not yet passed the bar exam and who was too busy practicing law to
worry about it, In July, he billed an average of fifty-nine hours a week, a
firm record for a nonlawyer. Avery proudly informed the partners at the
monthly meeting that McDeere's work was remarkable for a rookie.The
Capps deal was closed three days ahead of the schedule, thanks to McDeere.
The documents totaled for hundred pages, all perfect, all meticulously
researched, drafted and redrafted by McDeere.Koker-Hanks would close
within a month, thanks to McDeere and the firm would earn close to a
quarter of a mill. He was a machine.(TF, p.106).

14

He had made himself a legend around the firm. The other members of the
firm had admitted Mitch’s hard work. He had obsessed to bill more and more.
However, the Mitch’s workchaholic is unbearable for her wife Abby. She is
very concerned about the way his husband’s works and started complaining. The
Abby's expressions show that Micth is far forced himself to hit success and hard
pushed it so hard. It can be seen that someone’s desire of success can create a new
habit and behaviour, whether good or bad. In this below statement, Grisham tries to
say that the dream of success has made people work too hard, and sometimes
egnored the family.
"...You didn't complain in law school when I studied around the clock."
"It was different. I endure law school because I knew it would soon end.
But now you're a lawyer and you'll be long time. Is this part of it? Will you
always work a thousand hours a week?
"Abby, this is my first week."
"That's what worries me. It will only get worse."
"Sure it will. That's part of it Abby.
She did not answer. She waited. 'Are you coming home?"
"No I need to work all night."
"All night? You can't work all night, Mitch."
"Of course I can work all night. Happens all the time around here. It's
expected."
(TF, p: 96).
Success, sometimes, also can make lawyers giving up their ideal concept
about what a good lawyer should be. Money, power and popularity will easily
change someone’s perspective about work and life. Lawyers are no longer work for
somebody else sakeness, but only cheasing much more profits and money. Grisham
captures this phenomenon, when Mitch asked Lamar about aspect that would be
acquired by a lawyer.
“What else will I acquire?”

15

… “A certain amount of cynicism. This business works on you. When you
were in law school you had some noble idea of what a lawyer should be. A
champion of individual rights; a defender of the Constitution; a guardian of
the oppressed; an advocate for your client’s principles. Then after you
practice for six months you realize we’re nothnig but hired gun.
Mouthpieces for sale to highest bidder, available to anybody, any crook, any
sleazebag with enough money to pay our outrages fees. Nothing shocks you.
It’s supposed to be honorable profession, but you’ll meet so many crooked
lawyers, you’ll want to quit and find an honest job. Yeah, Mitch, you’ll get
cynical. And it’s sad really” (TF, p:69).
From this statement Grisham tries to explain that the occupation as lawyer
was very tiring. Success and money can drown people to work twenty four hours
each day and start to ignore things except the work. And it is empasized that not only
time and family that should be sacrificed by lawyer but also their concept about ideal
lawyer.
Grisham also wants to state that a workchaholic habit can create other
problems if someone cannot manage their schedule and their time. One can loose his
or her precious time with family, that in the end it cause destruction.
This novel also reflects that success requires person who has the spirits and
the guts to face the harder competition and challenges. The success will not come to
weak and lazy people. This opinion can be seen through Mitch's argument with his
wife.
"Sure it will. That's part of it , Abby. It's a cutthroat business where the
weak are eaten and the strong get rich. It's a marathon He who endures wins
the gold."
"And dies at the finish line” ( TF, p. 97).
The Bendini and Lambert law firm in this novel was a representation of the
best and successful law firm in town of memphis. This firm is not the biggest firm,
but they can gain profits more rather than another firms. This law firm have its own

16

opinion how to viewed success and maintain it. This can be seen from the Oliver
Lambert's description to Mitch McDeere.
"It's an impressive firm, Mitch," Oliver Lambert said, "and we're proud of
it. We're a close-knit fraternity. We're small and we take care of each other.
We don't have the cutthroat competition the big firms are famous for, each
new associate to become a partner as soon as possible. Toward the end we
invest an enormous amount of time and money in ourselves, especially our
new people. It is a rare, extremely rare occasion when lawyer leaves our
firm. It is simple unheard of. We go the extra mile to keep careers on track.
We want our people happy. We think it is the most profitable way to
operate" (TF, p.11).
The statement above confirms that to encourage their member achieving
success the firm determine more smoothly approach. The firm demanded the
members not to cross the line and do something useless. John Grisham in The Firm
also mentioned some aspects that can make a lawyer hit success, one of those is
never goes on chasing woman. And the members of the firm should place the
business above everything It is shown by this statement.
Oliver Lambert cleared his throat and decided to get personal again. "Micth
our firm frowns on drinking and chasing women. We're not a bunch of
Holly Rollers, but we put business ahead of everything. We keep low
profiles and we work very hard. And we make plenty of money."
"I can live with all that." (TF, p.7).
This firm also behold the opinion that lawyers with a stable background,
happy family and in good health will result productive lawyers. And productive
lawyers will increase the firm’s profit.
"Good. You'll find a wide variety in our firm. Catholics,
Baptist,Episcopalians. It's really none of our business, but we, like to know.
We want stable family. Happy lawyers are productive lawyers, That's why
we ask these question" (TF, p. 8).
From this statement, Grisham tries to state that success was not merely
resulted from hard work but also from the other aspects as happy family and good

17

health and loyalty. This statement is make sense and it might be widely admitted,
since it is impossible for some individuals to work well if they feel depress and
uncomfortable.
Besides, the firm also offered vacation to their member. It states that,
although they worked hard, they appreciate the need of leisure (TF, p:186). Once
again the firm’s policy emphazises that success will not come to people who are not
happy with his life.
In order to be the members of the law firm, a newly graduated lawyer
should follow the bar exam. To achieve his goal as a partner, of course Mitch should
follow this bar exam. Mitch is demanded to succeed in the bar exam. The important
of bar exam can be seen in the statement below.
"The bar exam was a nuisance, an ordeal that must be endured, a rite of
passage, and nothing any Harvard man should fear. Just concentrate on the
review of course, he said, and try to remember everything he had just
learned in law school.(TF, p.61).
The firm considers the bar exam as an primary requirement and a must, if
someone wants to be the member. So important the bar exam, that a lawyer is no use
if he cannot pass the test.
Don't get smart. You've told that bar exam has priority. An employee with
no license is of no use to this firm. (TF, p.110).
"This could be worse than the law school!"
"It's much more important than the law school. We take it very seriously.
We have a committee to monitor your progress from now until you sit for
the exam. We'll be watching very closely."(TF,p.79).
In United States lawyers must have four years of college and three years of
professional training in law school. They must also pass an examination given by the

18

state in which they want to practice (US Information Agency, 1986:53). It is captured
by John Grisham as seen in this statement.
McKnight quit smiling and returned to the legal pad. "As I've told you,
Mitch, the bar exam has priority. You've got six weeks to study for it and we
assist in every way possible. We have our own review courses directed by
our members. All areas of the exam will be covered and your progress will
be watched closely by all of us, especially Avery. .. .No associate in this
firm has ever failed the exam."
"I won't be the first."
"If you flunk it, we take away the BMW," Tolar said with a slight grin.
(TF, p.58).
In this statement, Grisham tries to employ his knowledge about American
law procedures and ethics.
Besides, in this novel, Grisham also confirms the general belief about the
way a Mafia organization in covering up their illegitimate business. It has been long
known that the Mafia is able to do many cruel actions in achieving their goal, for
example threatening, murdering and bribing. They also have established some
rigorous ethics that must be obeyed by the members of that firm.
This belief expresses in The Firm when the Deucth, a Mafia's member make
a plan to kill Hogde and Konzinki who has delivered some important information to
FBI.
"We'll, get them back in line, then, before this things goes to far. New
York's getting suspicious, Ollie. They're asking a lot of question."
"...What do they want?"
"Answers. And plans."
"Plans for what?"
"Preliminiary plans to eliminate Kozinski, Hodge and Tarrance, should it
become necessary" (TF, p:44).
To keep their illigitimate business running well this law firm also has the
motto “Loose tongues lose lawsuit”. This motto indicates that once a lawyer divulges

19

the secret, then he should quit the job. The firm do not want any of the members
ever discuss the client’s business with anyone, and that included tho other lawyer in
that firm, even the wives. They very quite and secretive, and they do not mention
even so much as a client’s name outside the buliding (TF, p:87).
It is widely recognized by the lawyers that there exists a confendential
relationship between a lawyer and his client. It is priviledged relationship and a
lawyer can never be forced to divulge anything a clients tells. It’s strictly
confedential. And it is a violation of the ethics if lawyers discuss their client
business, but the firm take it very seriously. They really maintain their secret
business.The firm do not want their lawyers talk about the business even with the
wife.(TF, p:87).
Since, the firm is owned by Mafia, they demanded an extreme loyalty. They
does not want anyone with family money. They will not hire lawyers with other
source of income. It means that if the money comes from one source, then they tend
to be very loyal to that source (TF, p:31). And to keep their lawyer doing the best
job, the firm states a policy that they will satisfy their lawyers loan in school. This
policy is made to avoid the lawyers mind the other problems above the business. As
seen in this statement.
… “We’ve never allowed an associate to begin his career burdened with
student loan. We prefer that you find other things to worry about, and
otherwise to spend your money..”
…
“You, uh mean the firm satisfies the loans?’
“that our policy. Unless you object.”
“No objection. I don’t quite know what to say.”
“you don’t have to say anything. We’ve done it for every associate for the
past fifteen years. ..” (TF, p:59)

20

In other part, The Firm gives a description how success is viewed by the
FBI agents. It is described that the FBI agents have taken long times to indict the
Bendini and Lambert law firm. It costs not only human life but also billion of dollars.
In the United States war against organized crime (Mafia) has been started since
1960s. A lot of money and never ending hard work has been spend on this war. The
organized crime is defined as “a society that seeks to operate outside the control of
the American people and their working government. They operate in a complex
organizational structure, and they have rules that are more rigid and more strictly
enforced than those of legitimate government. And their ultimate goals are money
and power (Reid, 2000:281).
In this novel Grisham exposes that it take years for the FBI to have
sufficience evidence for indicting the firm. It can be said success if they can bust the
firm and indict every significant member of the Morolto family. And the most
important is that they can destroy the Morolto family, and it would be the single most
devastating blow to organized crime in the past thirty years. To achieve those goals
many of the FBI informen and agents had become the victims, even the member of
the firm itself, Kozinski and Hodge. These two people (Hodge and Kozinski)
realized that there is something wrong with the firm, and began to contact Tarrance,
the FBI agent. Unfortunately their movements had been noticed, that finally they
were eliminated. And to have more information they need, Tarrance started to
approach Mitchell McDeere and do the bargaining.
…Once we agree, if we agree, the rest will fall in place. Second, and most
important, you will give us enough documentation to indict every member
of the firm and most of the top morolto people. The records are in the little
building there on Front Street “

21

“How do you this?”
Tarrance smiled, “Because we spend billions of dollars fighting organized
crime. Because we’ve tracked the Morolto’s for twenty years. Because we
have sources within the family. Because Hodhe and Konzinski were talking
when they were murdered. Don’t sell us short, Mitch” (TF, p;279).
To get complete information from Bendini and Lambert law firm, the FBI
should spend a lot of money for Mitchell McDeere. From the first place, Mitch had
been informed that once he decided to hand the information to FBI, he should be
ready to give up his career as lawyer. Therefore, Mitch proposed three million
dollar to FBI for the information he gave.
“Your offer is to low. You expect me to make a case that will hand you
hundred indicments against a group of the sleaziest criminals in America, a
case that could easily cost me my life. And you offer a pittance. Three
million at least.”
…
“That’s a lot of money,”Tarrance said, almost to himself. “I don’t think
we’ve ever paid that much.”
“But, you can, can’t you?”
“I doubt it. I’ll have to talk to the Director.” (TF, p:283).
…
“Three million, Tarrance. Not a peny less. If you guys can spend billions
fighting organized crime, surely you can find three million for me” (TF,
p:285)
And the hard work once again lead to success. Using the information given
by Mitchell McDeere, the FBI can do the indicment to the Bendini and Lambert law
firm. It can be seen from this statement.
The headlines told of the mass indicting of the Bendini law firm in
Memphis. Fifty-one present and former members of the firm were indicted,
along with thirty-one alleged members of the Morolto crime family in
Chicago. More indicments were coming, promised the U.S. Attorney. Just
the tip of the iceberg. Director F. Denton Voyles allowed himself to be
quoted as saying it was a major blow to organized crime in America. In
should be a dire warning, he said, to legitimate proffesionals and
businessman who are tempted to handle dirty money (TF, p:499).

22

Through this statement, Grisham tries to express that success of FBI in
indicting the Bendini law firm required a lot of hard work too. The dream of success
in fighting the organized crime has make the FBI never thinking about how much
money they spent and how many pleasure that they should sacrifce. Dream of
success make them keep on struggling and doing their best efforts to win the battle.
Strong commitment to success very inspires people to survive in such hard
competition.
3. Conclusion and Suggestion
3.1. Conclusion
Myth of success is seen differently by American people. The meaning of
success is very personal in nature. However, in general, success is always connoted
with material objects such as : finest clothes, job, housing or automobile. And the
myth of success has encouraged many of American people to work hard and realize
their dreams. John Grisham through his novel The Firm reflected this phenomenon.
That is the phenomena about how success were viewed and applied by some of
American modern people, in this case, lawyers and the FBI agents. With his
background as a lawyer for several years, Grisham able to tell in detail what is the
meaning of success for lawyer and how they reach that success.
The Firm give a slight description about how people viewing and realizing
the success. The people mentioned in this novel are lawyer, the law firm and the law
enforcement agency, in this case FBI. For a lawyer success means having rich
clients, joining the best law firm in town, get much more popularity, chances of
becoming politician and of course a lot of money. And the success need sacrifices, as

23

working overtime, losing their intimate moment with families and giving up their
noble idealism. The point is that become a lawyer one need preparing to sell their
time and labor. To the law enforcement agents (FBI) success means they get
sufficient evidence to indict the crime. And this success has cost not only human life
but also billion of dollars. It showed that success is far more valuable than the
fulfillment of material object. For the FBI agents their works are considered success
if they can enforce the law and maintain the peacefullness in society. While to the
law firm owned by Mafia, it was described in other part of this novel, that success
means covering up their illegitimate business and resulting much more profit. They
even did not take into account anothers’ interest and right in achieving their dream.
The Firm, as a product of popular culture, for certain cannot be used to
describe the real condition of American society in that time. However, it can give a
suggestion about the myth of success viewed by the American modern society. The
Firm pointed out that American people have their own opinion toward success and
applied different ways to achieve it. Those differences were determined by some
factors such as, the workplace environment, the social condition or the given cultural
values and beliefs. Therefore, it can be concluded that American myth of success will
everlastingly change and develop in accordance with the changing of society values,
beliefs and experience. However, the myth of success will always be the essential
spirit for the American people to achieve their biggest dreams.
3.2. Suggestion

24

The writer realizes that this thesis is still far from perfection but hopefully it
can give a better understanding to other students who want to study about American
popular culture, particularly the popular litature.
American popular culture has played an important role in the development
of American contemporary culture and society. Polular literature genres as, detective
and mystery novel, romances, science fiction and so forth offer varies topic
discussion. The theories and approaches, that can be applied though, are not limited
to sociology and cultural anthropolgy approaches. Psychology, history, linguistics
and many more might

be beneficial to obtain complete comprehension about

American popular literature. The study on this field for sure will enlarge

the

student’s understanding about the American mo