The American Dream

Definition

The American Dream is the ideal that through hard work, determination, and perseverance, anyone can achieve success and upward social mobility in the United States. This concept is often tied to the idea of opportunity, freedom, and prosperity, but also reflects the complexities and contradictions of American society, especially when viewed through different literary lenses. As seen in various works, the American Dream embodies hope and ambition but can also reveal disillusionment and failure.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' critiques the American Dream by showcasing how wealth does not guarantee happiness and fulfillment.
2. In Midwestern literature, the American Dream often emphasizes themes of hard work and resilience but also highlights the struggles faced by ordinary people in achieving it.
3. John Steinbeck's works, such as 'The Grapes of Wrath,' illustrate how the American Dream can be out of reach for many during times of economic hardship, reflecting social inequalities.
4. Absurdist drama in America often portrays the futility of pursuing the American Dream, suggesting that traditional values may not provide meaning in a chaotic world.
5. The interpretation of the American Dream varies widely among different groups and individuals, influenced by factors such as race, class, and geography.

Review Questions

• How do F. Scott Fitzgerald's portrayals in his works reflect both the allure and disillusionment associated with the American Dream?
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald's portrayal of characters like Jay Gatsby highlights the seductive nature of wealth and success associated with the American Dream. However, his narratives often reveal that achieving this dream can lead to isolation and unfulfilled desires. Through Gatsby's tragic quest for acceptance and love, Fitzgerald underscores that material wealth alone does not equate to true happiness or fulfillment, ultimately critiquing the very foundations of the American Dream.
• Discuss how Midwestern literature reflects unique challenges and perspectives on the American Dream compared to other American literary traditions.
  • Midwestern literature often centers on themes of hard work, resilience, and community while presenting a more grounded view of the American Dream compared to coastal literary traditions. Authors from this region frequently focus on ordinary characters who face economic hardships yet remain hopeful in their pursuits. This perspective emphasizes that achieving the American Dream is not just about personal success but also about collective struggle and shared values within rural and small-town settings.
• Analyze how John Steinbeck's depiction of characters' struggles in pursuit of the American Dream challenges conventional notions of success in America.
  • John Steinbeck's works depict characters who face overwhelming obstacles in their pursuit of the American Dream, particularly during times of economic turmoil. In 'The Grapes of Wrath,' for example, the Joad family's journey illustrates how systemic issues such as poverty and displacement can thwart individual efforts to achieve prosperity. Steinbeck critiques traditional ideas of success by showing that for many Americans, hard work does not guarantee upward mobility or security. This exploration highlights the complexities surrounding the pursuit of dreams in a society marked by inequality.

Related terms

Social Mobility: The ability of individuals or families to move up or down the social ladder, often measured by changes in income, education, or occupation.

Disillusionment: The feeling of disappointment that arises when one's expectations or beliefs are contradicted by reality, often reflecting a loss of faith in the ideals of the American Dream.

Self-Made Man: A person who achieves success or wealth through their own efforts rather than through inheritance or social status, embodying a core aspect of the American Dream.