What do you think the famous painting "American Gothic" means to Americans? Where does it fit in our culture?

Answer 1

Originally when it was painted it was assumed by some art critics to a be a satire on small town rural life, part of a trend at that time to criticize rural America. Wood, who lived in the Mid-West always denied this.
The picture fits into American culture perfectly. With the onset of the Great Depression(1929 to 1939) it came to represent more than any other artwork the steadfastness of the American pioneer spirit which did not go under even thro these terrible years.
What do I think of the painting. Well, I love it, because it is such a strong image; and gives you plenty to look at and think about. First the title, given by Wood is apparently a pun. deriving from two things: a house he had once seen with a window whose design resembling a medieval pointed arch referred to the Gothic Revival style, and from appearance of the sombre, "gothic" type couple he placed in front of it. We know who they were - Grant's sister Nan and the local dentist. But was there a relationship between them?: if not why did Grant pair them together? Why are they looking so grim? Is he a farmer? Or is he just guarding his property with his pitchfork? Lots of unanswered questions which spring to mind every time I look at this delightful painting which has become part of American folklore .