American Dream

American Dream in Great Gatsby, Grapes of Wrath, & Mice

If anyone could portray the perfect idea of the American Dream, what would it be? Many aspects and goals must be considered before someone'slife or lifestyle can be deemed a succession or failure of the American Dream. If America is seen as an Eden, or a Utopia in a character's thoughts, then one goal of this dream has been met. Chancesof such thoughts are rare due to the fact that not everyone can have what they want and be happy. Individually, however, someone could feel triumph no matter how society feels together as a whole, ortheir thoughts about the independent character. The final aspect, possibly the most important, is finding a sense of optimism for the future. Even if the goals are not being met, as long as there iswill to succeed, there is a way to succeed. There are three specific American literary works that are questionably portraying the American Dream including both Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, his Grapesof Wrath, and F. Scott Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby.

Another one of Steinbeck's works, The Grapes of Wrath, basically destroys the chance at succeding to live the American dream. The depression was atits valley, and times were at their worst as well. Descriptions of the economy, "And money that might have gone for wages went for gas, for guns, for agents and spies, for blacklists, for drilling.On the highways the people moved like ants and searched for work, for food. And the anger began to ferment." (Steinbeck Grapes, pg 365). America was definitely not seen as an Eden, more of as a livinghell. It was displayed that the only way to succeed, was to succeed individually, for society was at an all time low. Ma said ""Up ahead they's a thousan' lives we might live, but when it comes, it'llon'y be one" (158). Triumphing individually was surely not yet met, but it was the first step to succeeding as a nation. The optimism for the future was down to nothing due to the many obstacles...