The American Dream

Definition

The American Dream refers to the national ethos of the United States, centered around the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. It often embodies the belief in upward mobility, where individuals can improve their social status and achieve a better life for themselves and their families, often represented by home ownership and financial stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Dream has roots in the Declaration of Independence, particularly the idea of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
2. During the 1920s, the American Dream became associated with material success, epitomized by home ownership and consumer goods.
3. The Great Depression challenged the notion of the American Dream, leading many to question its attainability and validity.
4. In literature, figures like Jay Gatsby in 'The Great Gatsby' symbolize both the allure and eventual disillusionment associated with the American Dream.
5. The American Dream continues to evolve, reflecting changes in society, economics, and individual aspirations in contemporary America.

Review Questions

• How does Langston Hughes portray the complexities of the American Dream in his works?
  • Langston Hughes presents the American Dream as an ideal that is often out of reach for African Americans. Through his poetry and essays, he highlights themes of inequality, racism, and economic disparity. In works like 'Let America Be America Again,' he calls attention to the gap between the promised opportunities of the American Dream and the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups, emphasizing that this dream is not equally accessible to all.
• What role does F. Scott Fitzgerald’s portrayal of wealth contribute to the understanding of the American Dream?
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream by illustrating how wealth does not necessarily equate to happiness or fulfillment. In 'The Great Gatsby,' characters like Jay Gatsby are depicted as wealthy but ultimately unfulfilled. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby's tragic pursuit of a dream that remains elusive to demonstrate how societal values centered on materialism can lead to moral decay and personal disillusionment.
• Evaluate how the concept of the American Dream has transformed from its origins to modern interpretations in literature.
  • The concept of the American Dream has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially focused on equality and opportunity for all, it increasingly became tied to material success and consumerism in the 20th century. Modern literature reflects a more critical view, exploring themes of disillusionment and questioning whether true fulfillment can be achieved through conventional measures of success. Contemporary authors often highlight disparities and challenges faced by different demographics, suggesting that while the dream remains an aspiration, it is fraught with obstacles that undermine its attainability for many.

Related terms

Upward Mobility: The ability or chance for individuals to improve their social standing or economic status, often associated with education and career advancement.

Consumerism: The cultural orientation that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in increasing amounts, often linked to the pursuit of happiness and fulfillment within the American Dream.

Disillusionment: The feeling of disappointment arising from the realization that something is not as good as one believed it to be, particularly in relation to the unfulfilled promises of the American Dream.