Gilbert's 'last American man'

Gilbert seems to be enamored with Eustace. She is always talking about the fantastic, wonderful things he's done and can do. Gilbert believes an 'American' man has to fit a certain guideline. The true 'American' man must be strong, handsome, rugged, a frontiersman, completely self sufficient, and 'manly' in persona. For Gilbert, Eustace embodies all of these things. At first thought I would think he is crazy, a hermit, a friendless woodsman who has isolated himself from society more because he felt forced, but Eustace is not like this. Eustace wanted to go out and be a fronteirsman. He feels like he has to prove himself. Eustace travels across the country, and isn't satisfied with himself... How can someone do such a great thing and want to keep going? This is the type of man Gilbert idealizes as an 'American' man. When America first started out we weren't a highly educated country. We had the western frontier to conquer. Having knowledge of english and math won't help as much as a knowledge of trees and animals. So in the early state of America there was more of a reason to be a frontiersman and venture out and prove themselves, that's the only way there was to prove oneself. Nowadays most people who do things like Eustace they don't do it for survival, but for fun. People who try to live lifestyles like his are posers, just acting like they are true frontiers man. Eustance is not a poser. He didn't grow up rich and go to college and at 22 decide to go the woods. To Gilbert, he's always been truly an 'American' man. He leaves home early and ventures out to prove himself. So to Gilbert, he's not a poser, he does it not for pleasure, but he feels its the way he's supposed to live. Gilbert sees him as not a hermit or a crazy person, and he embodies all of the qualities of a true 'American' man. On top of all that she is practically in love with him. She glorifies him to the best of her ability as a writer. Gilbert believes he is the last, 'American' man,and there is no one else like him.