What is the American Dream? Definition and Literary Examples

📚 Quick Study Guide

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• Definition: The American Dream is the belief that through hard work, determination, and initiative, anyone in the United States can achieve upward mobility and a better life, regardless of their origin.
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• Core Values: Emphasizes individualism, equality of opportunity, material prosperity, and social mobility.
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• Historical Context: Rooted in the Declaration of Independence's promise of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
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• Literary Themes: Often explored in literature through narratives of immigrants seeking a better life, characters striving for success, and critiques of the dream's attainability. Common themes include disillusionment, the cost of success, and the tension between individual ambition and community.
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• Key Literary Examples:
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  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A cautionary tale about the corruption and illusion of the American Dream.
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  • The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck: Depicts the struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression, challenging the notion of equal opportunity.
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  • A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: Explores the dreams and aspirations of a Black family in Chicago, highlighting the barriers they face.
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• Criticisms: Critics argue that the American Dream is often unattainable due to systemic inequalities, economic disparities, and the decline of social mobility.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes the American Dream?
   1. A government-sponsored lottery.
   2. The belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination.
   3. A guaranteed path to wealth and fame.
   4. A fictional concept created by Hollywood.
2. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, what does Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy symbolize?
   1. The importance of true love.
   2. The corruption and illusion of the American Dream.
   3. The value of friendship.
   4. The benefits of social status.
3. Which historical document is often cited as the foundation for the American Dream?
   1. The Constitution.
   2. The Bill of Rights.
   3. The Declaration of Independence.
   4. The Emancipation Proclamation.
4. Which of the following is a common criticism of the American Dream?
   1. It is too easily attainable.
   2. It promotes laziness and complacency.
   3. It is often unattainable due to systemic inequalities.
   4. It is not appealing to people from other countries.
5. In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, what is the Younger family's primary dream?
   1. To travel the world.
   2. To open a successful business.
   3. To move into a better home.
   4. To become famous actors.
6. Which literary work depicts the struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression, challenging the notion of equal opportunity?
   1. The Catcher in the Rye.
   2. The Grapes of Wrath.
   3. To Kill a Mockingbird.
   4. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
7. What core value is NOT typically associated with the American Dream?
   1. Individualism
   2. Equality of Opportunity
   3. Material Prosperity
   4. Collectivism