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Studs Terkel's "American Dreams: Lost and Found", 2005.
This paper discusses the book "American Dreams: Lost and Found" by Studs Terkel, which features a number of American dreamers telling their version of the American dream.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Studs Terkel's "American Dreams: Lost and Found", the truth about the concept of the "American Dream" is that there is no single concept of this dream because it means different things to different people depending on their race, location, creed and lifestyle. The author reviews various dreams from individuals featured in this book including Miss America Emma Knight, who, through her public speaking, attempted to benefit society and the environment by addressing issues of pollution and the effects of mass consumerism but found that politicians did not want to hear about their mistakes. The paper concludes that the American Dream entails not necessarily money but rather a wish to reach the best level of achievement in any area in which one chooses to focus.
From the Paper
"Some of the dreams featured in Terkel's work do indeed seem grand in terms of money and material success. Ted Turner for example used his drive and individuality to launch CNN; Arnold Schwarzenegger went from impoverished conditions to an international superstar; Wallace Rasmussen, son of a Danish immigrant worked himself up from poverty to a multi-million dollar business CEO and chairman. These dreams also seem to stem from a childhood of poverty and want. However, this is not where the dream ends. Many who have made a great deal of money do not entertained the short-term views criticized by Emma Knight."
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The American Dream, 2004.
This paper discusses the idea of the American dream, pervasive throughout American culture, as first coined by James Truslow Adams in his book, "The Epic of America".
1,865 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Adams's American Dream focuses on the greater social and political aspects of America, noting the importance of a society-wide effort in creating a better, free, and democratic America. The author points out that, today, many Americans argue that Adam's American Dream is simply not achievable by most Americans because of the ugly realities underlying race, gender, and ethnicity, which often bar Americans from achieving their dreams. The paper concludes that perhaps it is not surprising that any culture, no matter how progressive, has had difficulty living up to Adams's high ideals in a time of tremendous cultural and economic changes.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Adams's American Dream Defined
The American Dream Today
Adams's Beliefs and Today's America
Modern America and the American Dream
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Perhaps the most startling discrepancy between Adams' view of the American dream and the view of the American dream held by modern Americans lies in the area of financial gain. Today, most Americans view the attainment of the American dream in financial terms. The American dream has come to mean a bigger house, a nicer car, and more money to spend on material goods. This view is in stark contrast to Adam's thoughts that the American dreams is "not a dream of motor cars and high wages" (p 404), and that the American dream "can never be wrought into a reality by cheap people or by 'keeping up with Joneses.'""
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The Unattainable American Dream, 2004.
A look at the definition of the American dream and its representation in "All My Sons" by Arthur Miller.
784 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how the concept of the American dream as a fairy tale life with plenty of money is, in fact, a myth. Many families strive and work all their lives to fulfill their American dream, but when reality sets in, they end up failing, and their American dream turns into a nightmare: the American reality. In particular, it looks at how Arthur Miller symbolizes the American dream and how, most of the time, it ends up being just a dream and nonexistent, as illustrated in the tragic play, "All My Sons".
From the Paper
"We associate this time of the American dream with the years following WWII, which we see in the 1950?s world created through the movies (i.e. Pleasantville): successful children, perfect families, and a happy stay-at-home mother (Kismaric 53). In the end, everyone knows that the children are not always successful, there are family fights, and not every mother can be at home and happy. Many families strive and work all their lives to fulfill their American dream, but when reality sets in, they end up failing and their American dream turns into a nightmare: the American reality. It may even be propaganda put on by the government to improve society after the war (Kismaric 55), so that the people can relax and live comfortably knowing that while their country is fighting for their freedom, they can live a ?perfect? life."
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Gatsby and the American Dream, 2007.
An analysis of the theme of the American dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby."
1,368 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discuss how F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the "American dream" in his novel, "The Great Gatsby." It describes the American dream's significance in terms of plot, characterisation and theme in his novel. The paper suggests that Fitzgerald is critical of the American dream, and ultimately damns it, arguing that the American dream is no longer a universal ambition to which all Americans may aspire.
From the Paper
"During the period of the 1920s American society was transformed by the opulence of a decadent era. These changes, as documented in The Great Gatsby, affected every American. However, as Fitzgerald writes, such changes were not uniform. The American Dream, an ideal that had driven the country since its inception, was redefined amid the unprecedented pursuit of wealth and material satisfaction, by a broad section of society. Fitzgerald argues in his novel that the American Dream has lost its significance in a newly materialistic America, influenced by an age of consumer goods. Through his protagonist, Gatsby, he shows the price of living too long for a single, unattainable dream, which had ceased to be. Fitzgerald is therefore arguing that the American dream is no longer a universal ambition to which all Americans may aspire."
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The American Dream, 2002.
Looks at the ideals of the "American Dream", its successes and its failures.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses how the "American dream" is one of individual liberty, prosperity, success, and equal inclusion. Some Americans have been able to make the dream come true. Others have been less fortunate. The paper demonstrates how American industries and the United States government helped individuals and groups to turn the dream into reality in the period 1896 to 1932. Nonetheless, because of inequality, many Americans were excluded from the dream.
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Gatsby's Vision of the American Dream, 2007.
An analysis of the history of the American dream and its presentation in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby".
1,563 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history of the American dream and how it has evolved over time. The paper then analyzes F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby" and discusses how he presents the concept of the American dream. The paper shows how, in his work of fiction, Fitzgerald demonstrated the relationship between the American Dream and wealth, as well as how we all seem to strive for a simpler, better time.
From the Paper
"Nick acts as the narrator and is therefore able to step away and place things into perspective. His narration seems to show the cynicism Fitzgerald felt for these young socialites and therefore the American Dream. His manner of speaking shows the reader that he thinks more highly of himself than he does of the other characters in the novel. He stated, "Everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known." (64) Nick seems to dislike all of the characters except for Gatsby. "Gatsby has an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again." (6) Nick's frustration may be because of the fact that he left the mid-west where he was raised to become a stock broker in New York. However he did not get rich, but everywhere he turns he sees immoral people who are very wealthy."
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Mid-Life Crisis, The American Dream And Baby Boomers, 2002.
A paper which establishes a link between the mid-life crisis of Baby Boomers and the American Dream from a councelors point of view.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 8 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
Each year approximately three million baby boomers turn 40. This is a time of introspection and re-evaluation of who the baby boomer is. This is the time of mid-life crisis and the American Dream. Most baby boomers went to college, got a successful job, married, had 2.5 children, and bought a house in the suburbs. Now they look at life and ask, "Is this all there is to life?" Many of these baby boomers are divorced, have quit their jobs, given up their home in the suburbs and find themselves in a mid-life crisis. It is the American Dream and the mid-life crisis that this paper will focus on. What is the mid-life crisis? Why has the American Dream failed for many? Why are the baby boomers finding themselves feeling unfulfilled in life? What does research show about mid-life crisis? Can mid-life crisis be considered an actual diagnosis for people suffering from mental anguish? What steps can the middle-age individual take to prevent the mid-crisis? How does this affect my worldview about those experiencing mid-life crisis? How does it relate to current news items on television? What are the ramifications of this research show in regards to mid-life crisis? As a counselor how will this research affect the way I might treat someone going through the mid-life crisis? How does this affect my viewpoint of my family, and perhaps my viewpoints of my family? Can I recognize how family members have suffered mid-life crisis and the effects of this in their life?
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American Dream and Criminology, 2006.
This paper examines how the American dream may relate to crime.
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the theory, proposed by Steven F. Messner and Richard Rosenfeld, that the American dream may in fact be a major causal factor in crime and criminal behavior. The writer explains that this theory, known as institutional anomie theory or more simply as the American dream theory, suggests that the relentless pursuit of material success creates anomie, a state of social lawlessness. Further, the writer notes that anomie in turn causes crime, which is in many cases the easiest and quickest way of fulfilling the American dream. The writer also discusses this theory as depicted in Martin Scorsese's 1990 film 'Goodfellas'. The writer concludes that policy changes need to be targeted at restructuring social norms, values and beliefs.
From the Paper
"Moreover, Messner and Rosenfeld point out that the values and beliefs underlying the American Dream also erode cultural values and subsequently lead to anomie. The American Dream has led to enormous structural changes within American society, and nearly every political, economic, social, and even spiritual institution operates under its spell. Messner and Rosenfeld's theories can be illuminated through the depiction of organized crime in films such as Martin Scorcese's 1990 Goodfellas, starring Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, and Joe Pesci. Based on the true story of Henry Hill, Goodfellas illustrates how the American Dream is a major causal factor in criminal behavior, showing also how law enforcement institutions cannot adequately address crime without there first being a major upheaval of values, norms, and beliefs in the society."
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The American Dream in the "Great Gatsby", 2005.
Shows how the American Dream is actually a nightmare in this novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
1,258 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The American Dream in the 1920s was all about discovery, individualism, success and the quest for happiness. The stock market was rising, money was plentiful, and social life was buzzing. The paper shows, however, that in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby", the American Dream is more of a nightmare. Fitzgerald paints a picture that is far from a dream, it is full of corruption. The paper shows that the American Dream of the 1920s, as portrayed in "The Great Gatsby", is actually corrupt through wealth, romance and morals.
From the Paper
"Jay Gatsby is certainly the best example of moral corruption of the American Dream in the 1920s. In his West Egg home, Gatsby throws lavish parties very often. These parties are open invitation, and many people that attend do not even know Gatsby. He keeps the open invitation policy for one reason: he wants Daisy to attend a party without actually inviting her. Gatsby tries to impress Daisy with his expensive possessions, which shows a moral flaw in Gatsby's character. However, Gatsby does not feel much guilt from his bad morals."
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The American Dream, 2005.
This paper considers the failure of the American Dream in "Death of a Salesman," by Arthur Miller.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper examines "Death of a Salesman," written by Arthur Miller and first performed in 1949, that is often said to be a play about the failure of the American Dream. The paper explains that there is some dispute about whether or not the play should be ranked as a tragedy, but most people agree that it deals with the subject of the American Dream. The paper considers the argument that the play is indeed about the confusion and pathos of a man and his two sons deluded by the American Dream, so that they waste their lives chasing a dream that is not only impossible for them to attain, but in fact not even worth attaining.
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The American Dream, 2007.
An analysis of the individual's changing focus of the American Dream and how it has been affected by the mass media.
3,671 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 17 sources, MLA, $ 101.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of the American Dream. It describes the revelations of political liberation, ownership of home, the amassing of wealth and the independence from poverty that are included in the dream. The paper also describes how, during the 21st century, the mass media in American has tapped into this concept of the American Dream and, consequently, changed some of the focus of the concept.
From the Paper
"Today, we come across disparity of incomes, which was not witnessed since the 1930s. Moreover the matter is not just an issue of social justice or distribution of rewards on the same footing. It is an issue of operational disparity and creative misuse. Plus there is hardly any indication that any political party realizes this genuine cause of this disparity. (Florida, 22) The rich-poor divide is constantly becoming wider day by day. In this process, the potential to surmount that divide gets far away. The disparities have become worse in various areas. This has been a society which is sharply dividing from the midpoint and it has occurred against the perspective of economic development. Presently, over 37 million Americans are living in poverty, and the figure is 12.7 percent of the population, that is the highest percentage among the developed countries. (Margarete, 11)"
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Preclusion from the "American Dream", 2006.
An analysis of the stratifying function of race, sex and class in the "American Dream".
2,451 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 18 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper explores how the "American Dream," an ideology of individualism, supports the objectives of capitalism by perpetuating social inequalities. To expose the mythical nature of this ideology, it examines how the access to educational and occupational opportunities are linked not to ability or hard work, as the "American Dream" asserts, but rather that social status is a consequence of cultural capital and ascribed characteristics of race, sex,and class. It also explores how specific institutions and policy regulate and impede social mobility, guaranteeing that the white, male, upper-class retains its power and status at the pinnacle of America's stratified society.
From the Paper
"Understandably, some females, non-whites, and poor people, having internalized the individualist ideology, and blame themselves for their inability to achieve the "American Dream." Others, however, have responded by consciously rejecting the dominant culture's ideals in light of their inaccessibility. Resistance theory, pioneered by Bowles and Gintis, is exemplified by such countercultural behaviors as gangs, criminal activity, and other less violent anti-social activities (MacLeod). In Bettie's ethnography, Women without Class, she describes an instance of such behavior by working-class Latina high school students. Eschewing the dominant culture's idealization of femininity as chaste and demure, these girls embrace teenage motherhood within their peer groups as an alternative to academic endeavors. "
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Discontent and the American Dream, 2002.
Shows the theme of unhappiness in the American dream in two novesl by John Updike "Rabbit, Run" and "Rabbit is Rich".
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper will argue that both of these novels are critiques of the "American dream" of suburban prosperity and success. The profound unhappiness of "Rabbit" (Angst)rom - the protagonist's own name signifying his condition - despite his material prosperity and sexual opportunities, is indicative of the hollow nature of the "American dream".
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Tragic American Dream, 2004.
A look at the tragedy of the American Dream in two movies,"Death of a Salesman? and ?Seize the Day".
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper examines two films, ?Death of a Salesman? and ?Seize the Day?, which are set only about ten years apart and which deal with the American Dream. It discusses the concept of the American Dream; the protagonists in these two plays face materialism and have problems, difficulties, and humiliation in relationship between father and son(s). It explains that there are also outstanding characters in the two plays, with characteristics that make them failures. Moreover, the wives in both plays have significant roles in misleading their husbands to failure.
From the Paper
"The ?Death of a Salesman,? by Arthur Miller, is a story about how a father?s misleading and deficient thoughts can be influential to his sons, how terrible it is, and what kinds of background or situation make the sons failures. Willy Loman who has two sons, Biff and Happy, is an inapplicable salesman whose imagination is much greater than his sales ability. While everyone around Willy experiences success and wealth, Willy and his family are too far from success. Willy wants to be successful for the wealth and dignity, but his dream is never fulfilled and materialized at all. In this situation, Willy tries to receive satisfaction from his sons. For instance, he wants Biff to become a business success even though Biff wants to work outside on a cattle ranch. Biff has an internal struggle between pleasing his father and doing what he feels is right."
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The American Dream and "A Streetcar Named Desire", 2005.
This paper looks at how the American Dream is represented in the opening scenes of Tennessee William's "A Streetcar Named Desire" through the content and initial impressions of the key characters.
953 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 0 sources, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how in "A Streetcar Named Desire", the American Dream is contrastingly represented in two key characters: Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski, the latter holding Southern ideals and hoping for a life of privilege, comfort and protection; the former believing in a life characterised by toil, an impulsive and reckless sense of spontaneity, and eventual reward and success. It looks at how by adopting an intriguing setting in New Orleans, a series of crucial and symbolic minor characters, and a plot which slowly but meaningfully unravels itself, Tennessee Williams creates content for a screenplay which provides a fascinating interpretation of the American Dream.
From the Paper
"Firstly, the characters of Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski provide a differing interpretation of the American Dream. Blanche was born and raised in the deep American South, into a world where her every need, wish and desire would be catered for. She would dwell in a lavish mansion with her family, receive a quality education, be waited upon by coloured servants, and, furthermore, would eventually marry an equally privileged young man who could provide for her the protection which she was accustomed to. This is not so much protection in a physical sense, but rather, the guardianship of her honour. This would involve preventing her from being exposed to cursing, abuse cruelty, and anything else that would seem improper in an upper class Southern society. "
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