Character Analysis of Squidward in Spongebob Squarepants

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Squidward, in “Naughty Nautical Neighbors”, ruins a fun game between Patrick and SpongeBob and manages to pit them against each other. Squidward’s meddling casts him as a somewhat devious and unlikable character. He is a fun crusher, and this characterization maintains throughout the episodes. Squidward’s rude attitude is a reflection of his own discontent. Squidward works as a cashier at the Krusty Krab, but the life he dreams of involves luxuries that he could not afford with his current salary. He is unhappy with his rudimentary career and lower class life. His internal dilemma is exemplified most clearly in “Squillium Returns”. After leaving the Krusty Krab one night, Squidward sees Squillium Fancyson, Squidward’s archrival. Squillium Fancyson is famous and “made millions doing everything that [Squidward] wished [he] could do,” as Mr. Krabs puts it. Squidward is caught off guard and frantically hides his Krusty Krab hat in a trash can because he does not want Squillium to know that he is not nearly as successful as him. Squidward is thus portrayed as individual concerned with appearance, he wants to be wealthy because it carries more prestige and class. Squidward is obsessed with the class and fame aspect of the American Dream. So much so, Squidward lies to Squillium and says that he owns a five star restaurant. Squillium says that he is going to come see Squidwards restaurant and bring his entourage to eat. Squidward panics because he does not own a five star restaurant, and he feels as though he “really needs to impress Squillium”. Squidward possesses an obsession with class ascension and prestige. He wants to impress others with wealth and power that he does not have. The show conveys this aspect of the American Dream as pr... ... middle of paper ... ...senting the review plays. As soon as SpongeBob hears that he did an amazing job he says “Well, back to work,” and modestly returns to his station behind the grill. Krabs, on the other hand, changes the name of the restaurant to the “Crusty Sponge” and capitalizes upon everyone’s love for SpongeBob. While Squidward problematizes the class and fame associations with the American Dream, Mr. Krabs casts the aspirations of financial gain as potentially immoral and undeserved. SpongeBob, however, creates a new kind of American Dream, much like the Dream described by Sandage. One in which success is not a defining characteristic. Instead, SpongeBob presents a dream of working to please oneself and to please the ones you are serving. SpongeBob works with passion and enjoys his career, hoping only to make the lives of his customers better through his burger making skills.

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