Summary Of The American Dream Dead Alive Or On Hold By Brandon King

The concept of the American Dream is heavily engraved in society. It is what gives many lower and middle-class citizens the motivation to work hard in hopes of a better life. However, “a better life” is a vague term that often has a different meaning with respect to time and situation. In the article, “The American Dream: Dead, Alive, or on Hold?” Brandon King attempts to answer the ambiguity of this question. As the title gives it away, the author analyzes and compares different time periods and situations to understand what exactly is the American Dream, whether it exists or not, and if it does, is it possible to achieve it? In order to answer this obscure question, King strategically builds his claims around connections and trends in order to help support his findings, as well as provide well-defined transitions to organize his thoughts and drive his point home. …show more content…
This is a thought-provoking tactic that helps King engage his audience. Next, the writer gives the reader three possible choices as to what the answer can be, dead, alive or on hold. Many readers would hope to think the dream is alive but King immediately shatters that hope as he is quick to reveal the painful fallout of the Great Recession and unemployment rates with statistics to prove it. It is interesting to point out that King starts his essay with the Great Recession as a negative and actually ends his essay with the Great Recession with a positive outlook on it. This design not only gives the audience hope again but also allows the author to tie up his claim, establishing a sense that the work is