The Ideal American Dream In Doug's California Dream

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California represents the idea of leaving behind a past life and starting new, shown through Doug, Penny, Carol, and Alan. Doug abandons his old life in order to make a new life for himself in California. His California dream is successful, as seen through his cookie-cutter American life with two sons, a wife, a stable job, and a house. Both Penny and Carol have had dismal lives in foster homes but they still have dreams about fixing their lives and marriage, and Alan hopes to gain a connection with his estranged father.
Historically, California was known as state of new beginnings and wealth achieved through hard work. Doug is in this California state of mind, and has had success in fulfilling his dream. He has achieved the ideal American

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