What Is Eleanor Roosevelt's Definition Of The American Dream

In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.” The definition of the American dream may differ for different people, but it all relates to creating a better life for oneself. Eleanor Roosevelt is an example of the American Dream. She redefined the position of the first lady, helped to create the Declaration of Human Rights, and leads as an example for all women. Roosevelt portrays the American Dream because she overcame hardship in her youth and achieved success through her hard work and determination while serving as a first lady and, afterwards, when serving as a leader at the United Nations. Although Eleanor Roosevelt's family had money, it does not mean her life was all that easy. In her early life, Eleanor grew up in a divided home with high expectations from her mother that she was not able to reach. Eleanor was not the most attractive young lady according to her mother. Due to her mother's disappointment in her, “Eleanor developed ‘an inordinate desire for affection and praise’ in response to her ‘plain looks and lack of manners” (Eleanor Roosevelt’s Life). Her mother, however, died very early. Soon …show more content…
With no parents, feeling isolated as a child, and ending up in a troubled marriage to a distant cousin, she still managed to make a difference in the world. While serving as first lady and afterwards when serving as a leader at the United Nations she had an enormous impact on women’s, civil, and human rights. Eleanor Roosevelt not only lived the American dream, her successes allowed countless others to do the same. Today, Eleanor is considered one of the greatest, if not the absolute greatest, first ladies of all