American Dream

Definition

The American Dream is the national ethos of the United States, centered around the idea that prosperity and success are achievable through hard work and determination. This concept often reflects the pursuit of happiness, economic stability, and social mobility, but it can also highlight the disillusionment that arises when these ideals are not attainable, particularly in the context of modern plays that explore complex human experiences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Death of a Salesman,' Willy Loman embodies the struggle to achieve the American Dream, ultimately facing tragic consequences due to his relentless pursuit of success.
2. 'A Streetcar Named Desire' portrays characters like Blanche DuBois, whose search for a better life reflects the disillusionment associated with the American Dream and societal expectations.
3. Both plays examine how external pressures and personal failures contribute to characters' inability to realize their version of the American Dream.
4. The American Dream is often critiqued in these works for promoting an unrealistic standard of success, leading to feelings of inadequacy and despair among individuals who cannot attain it.
5. Through their narratives, these plays suggest that the American Dream may not be accessible to everyone, highlighting social and economic barriers that prevent true equality.

Review Questions

• How do Willy Loman's aspirations in 'Death of a Salesman' reflect the central theme of the American Dream?
  • Willy Loman's aspirations in 'Death of a Salesman' illustrate the idealistic notion of the American Dream as he believes that success is achievable through charisma and personal connections. However, his relentless pursuit leads to his downfall as he grapples with failure and disillusionment. The play ultimately critiques this ideal by showing that hard work alone does not guarantee success and raises questions about the very nature of achievement in American society.
• Discuss how 'A Streetcar Named Desire' uses its characters to critique the traditional view of the American Dream.
  • 'A Streetcar Named Desire' critiques the traditional view of the American Dream through characters like Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski. Blanche represents the fading Southern belle who clings to illusions of grandeur while Stanley embodies a more brutal realism and materialism. Their interactions reveal deep societal divides and challenge the notion that everyone has equal access to success and happiness. The play highlights how personal trauma and societal constraints can hinder one's ability to achieve their dreams.
• Analyze how both plays portray the impact of societal expectations on individuals' perceptions of the American Dream.
  • 'Death of a Salesman' and 'A Streetcar Named Desire' both illustrate how societal expectations shape individuals' perceptions of the American Dream. Willy Loman feels pressured by societal standards to succeed as a salesman, which ultimately leads to his tragic end. In contrast, Blanche DuBois faces societal judgment due to her past, causing her dreams to crumble. Both plays convey that external pressures not only define what success looks like but also contribute significantly to individual disillusionment when those ideals prove unattainable.

Related terms

Social Mobility: The ability for individuals or families to move up or down the socioeconomic ladder, often tied to education and economic opportunity.

Disillusionment: A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be, often seen in characters who struggle to achieve the American Dream.

Materialism: A focus on material wealth and possessions as a measure of success, which can overshadow deeper personal fulfillment in the quest for the American Dream.