The Son From America Analysis

The Deception of the Dream The American dream—the belief in hard work leading to success—is something that countless Americans look up to; however, some believe that instead of freedoms and equal opportunities, this dream has become a pursuit of material prosperity which does not necessarily lead to happiness or satisfaction. In “The Son from America”, by Isaac Bashevis Singer, Singer depicts the differences and changes in values between an old Polish couple and their son caused by the son’s accomplishment in America. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “Winter Dreams” shows the success story of a middle-class man who works hard and becomes rich, but does not achieve what he truly desires. Although the short stories take place in different time periods and settings, the stories both illustrate the prosperity through the American dream. These achievements are portrayed as very meaningful advancements for the characters, yet they are not completely satisfied with what they have representing a fairly progressive, but reasonable, perspective on the American …show more content…
Since the son had been in America for so long and became accustomed to American ideals and values, he has trouble understanding the way of his parents’ lives. Nevertheless, as he learns about what their lifestyles are like, he decides that they should be left the way they are simple and religious Singer points out that attaining the American dream is not something everyone wants to pursue and it should not be the sole goal in life. In “Winter Dreams”, a middle-class boy grows up and becomes successful, but is never satisfied with the lifestyle he attains by becoming wealthy. Fitzgerald portrays the emptiness Dexter ended up in due to pursuing the American dream and how he ended up only with wealth, not having any emotional ties nor emotional satisfaction that he had initially imagined when dreaming of becoming wealthy and joining the upper