Literature can be found everywhere in the world. It is seen in newspapers, magazines, novels, and even a scrap piece of paper. Not a single day goes by that someone does not encounter a work of literature, and it is through literature that many people discover life’s lessons. One of the biggest themes that many authors present in their works of literature is the American Dream. This American way of life can be found in some of literature’s finest including The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitgerald, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, and Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. The American Dream has been a hope for many people throughout history. Its origin can be traced all the way back to the Puritan search for the New World; they were searching
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According to Becoming Minimalist and recent surveys and interviews, the American Dream can be defined as “economic security, finding and pursuing a rewarding career, leading a healthy and personally fulfilling life, being able to retire in comfort, and opportunity for their children to live a better life” (Becker). Using this definition as a guiding principle, the American Dream relies solely on material possessions and monetary power to bring happiness. So, this poses the question, is the American Dream alive? Personally, I would say a simple yes on the top of the surface. However, it goes far below the surface to see the American Dream. The American Way of Life is a hope for a lot of people in the world, not just Americans. People long to reach a successful lifestyle, but life is not the white picket fence, the wife, and children anymore. That life dream is slowly fading away. Now, it is paying the bills at the end of the month, putting food on the table, and sending your children to school. It is possible to keep the American Dream alive. It is constantly challenged through economic and governmental issues. The American Dream has drastically changed over time. A person either struggles each day to live or does not have any issues at all. According to a USA Today article, the American Dream costs $130,000 a year. (Gold) Not everyone can afford that price tag, because not every American has equal opportunity to reach this dream. Society is constantly plagued with racial, religious, and gender
According to Becoming Minimalist and recent surveys and interviews, the American Dream can be defined as “economic security, finding and pursuing a rewarding career, leading a healthy and personally fulfilling life, being able to retire in comfort, and opportunity for their children to live a better life” (Becker). Using this definition as a guiding principle, the American Dream relies solely on material possessions and monetary power to bring happiness. So, this poses the question, is the American Dream alive? Personally, I would say a simple yes on the top of the surface. However, it goes far below the surface to see the American Dream. The American Way of Life is a hope for a lot of people in the world, not just Americans. People long to reach a successful lifestyle, but life is not the white picket fence, the wife, and children anymore. That life dream is slowly fading away. Now, it is paying the bills at the end of the month, putting food on the table, and sending your children to school. It is possible to keep the American Dream alive. It is constantly challenged through economic and governmental issues. The American Dream has drastically changed over time. A person either struggles each day to live or does not have any issues at all. According to a USA Today article, the American Dream costs $130,000 a year. (Gold) Not everyone can afford that price tag, because not every American has equal opportunity to reach this dream. Society is constantly plagued with racial, religious, and gender