Q. Write a note on the American dream.
Introduction
American literature is shaped by a variety of national and international movements. These movements have played a key role in expanding and strengthening different forms of writing.
The frontier, transcendentalism, enlightenment, Puritanism, and other movements have influenced American history and literature. Writers and philosophers helped shape these movements.
Their ideas changed how Americans viewed their country. Among these movements, the American Dream stands out as one of the most important.
The Origins of the American Dream
The term “American Dream” itself was coined by historian James Truslow Adams in his 1931 book The Epic of America. Adams described the American Dream as the belief that;
Life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.
His vision emphasized not just material success, but the opportunity for individual growth and self-fulfillment. In this sense, the American Dream became more than a mere promise of wealth; it was a guarantee of opportunity for everyone who was willing to work for it.
What is the American Dream?
The American Dream is the idea that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success through hard work and determination. It promises that people can improve their lives and find happiness.
This often involves becoming financially successful. The dream is tied to the belief in freedom and equality. It suggests that individuals have the opportunity to shape their future.
James Adams, in his book The Epic of America (1931), explains the American Dream as a belief that has brought millions to the U.S. over the years. He describes it as not just a dream of material wealth.
It is a dream of freedom and personal growth. This is free from old-world social restrictions. Adams writes that the American Dream is about developing oneself without the barriers that were common in older civilizations.
The American Dream in Society
The American Dream is not just an individual pursuit. It has always been about a society that provides everyone with equal opportunities to succeed. This dream suggests that success comes from one’s effort and hard work. Failure is often seen as a result of a lack of talent or will.
Jennifer Hochschild, in Facing Up to the American Dream (1995), outlines four main ideas behind the American Dream:
- Everyone should have equal access to opportunities.
- Everyone should have a reasonable hope of success.
- Success comes from personal effort.
- Failure is caused by a lack of ability or willpower.
These ideas help explain why Americans are often so focused on personal success, wealth, and achievement. Many Americans believe that hard work will lead to success. This belief is central to the culture.
Success in the American Dream
The concept of success is central to the American Dream. Richard M. Huber, in his book The American Idea of Success (1971), explains that for most Americans, success means making money and gaining social status.
Many writers have discussed what success means in America. These include Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Horatio Alger, who wrote about the possibility of rising from poverty to wealth.
Emerson, for example, emphasized individualism and self-reliance. He encouraged people to rely on their own abilities. He urged them to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. The idea of self-made success has always been at the heart of the American Dream.
The American Dream in Literature
The American Dream has had a huge impact on American literature. Many authors have written about it. Some have supported the idea, while others have criticized it. Early American writers like Cotton Mather and Jeremy Rifkin explored ideas about success and the American spirit.
Writers like Herman Melville and William Penn also addressed aspects of the American Dream. Sometimes, they focused on the need for self-improvement and freedom.
In plays and novels, the American Dream is often depicted as something that shapes characters’ lives. For example, Eugene O’Neill, in his play The Hairy Ape, portrays the American Dream as an illusion. His characters experience frustration and loss. This shows that the pursuit of success can sometimes lead to despair.
The Criticism of the American Dream
Despite its powerful role in American culture, the American Dream has been criticized by many writers. Some argue that the focus on material wealth and success can corrupt the social vision of the Dream.
Critics say that the dream is often an illusion. It hides social inequalities and class divisions. The focus on individual achievement sometimes comes at the expense of social progress.
Theodore Dreiser and Arthur Miller are examples of writers who criticized the American Dream in their works. In Miller’s play Death of a Salesman, the character of Willy Loman believes in the American Dream.
But this belief ultimately leads to his downfall. This shows how the pursuit of success can be harmful when it ignores personal and social realities.
Some also argue that the Dream fosters a selfish definition of success. It encourages people to focus only on their personal gain. Often, this ignores the well-being of others. This can lead to a lack of social responsibility. It can also focus too much on material success at the expense of spiritual or emotional fulfillment.
The Decline of the American Dream
Over time, some critics have suggested that the American Dream is no longer as achievable as it once was. Jeremy Rifkin, in The European Dream (2004), claims that the American Dream is struggling.
Meanwhile, the European Dream is gaining attention around the world. Rifkin compares the American Dream with the European Dream. He notes that in Europe, the focus is more on security, community, and quality of life rather than individual wealth and success.
The European Dream also emphasizes interdependence. It believes that people should work together to improve society. In contrast, the American Dream is often seen as focusing on individualism and personal achievement.
Rifkin believes that the American Dream is fading. Many Americans have become too focused on material success. They are no longer willing to put in the effort required to make that success a reality.
Comparison with the European Dream
Rifkin argues that the European Dream is different from the American Dream. While the American Dream is based on individual freedom, the European Dream focuses more on living in a secure, community-oriented society.
In the European Dream, success is not just about personal wealth. It is about the well-being of everyone in society. The European Dream is often seen as more sustainable and inclusive.
The American Dream is linked to a more selfish, individualistic pursuit of success. The European Dream also emphasizes equality and shared responsibility. It offers a more balanced view of success.
Examples
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the main character, Jay Gatsby, believes that wealth and success will help him win back his lost love, Daisy.
However, Gatsby’s dream is unattainable, and his pursuit of it leads to his tragic end. This shows that the American Dream can sometimes be an illusion, offering false hope.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
In John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, two migrant workers, George and Lennie, dream of owning a piece of land to escape the hardships of their lives.
However, their dream is shattered by the harsh realities of the Great Depression. This highlights how the American Dream can be out of reach for many people, especially during difficult times.
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman tells the story of Willy Loman, an older man who believes that being liked is the key to success. He struggles to achieve his dream of financial stability and a better life for his family.
His failure and eventual death suggest that the American Dream is not always achievable, especially if the values driving it are misguided.
Conclusion
The American Dream has played a central role in shaping American society and literature. It is a vision of a society that allows individuals to achieve success through their efforts. This can happen regardless of their background.
While the dream has been a powerful force for positive change, it has also been criticized for focusing too much on material wealth and individual achievement.
Today, the American Dream is seen by some as an outdated or broken idea. Meanwhile, the European Dream presents a new model for success. It emphasizes community, security, and quality of life.
Despite the criticisms, the American Dream is a significant part of the country’s identity. It influences how Americans see themselves and their future. It remains a symbol of hope and possibility for many.
