Study Document
American Dream Throughout U.S. History, Essay
Pages:6 (1939 words)
Sources:4
Subject:Social Issues
Topic:American Dream
Document Type:Essay
Document:#76078038
(Steinbeck, 1939)
When the Grapes of Wrath is compared with the other works that are discussed earlier, it is clear that this is showing the negative side of the American dream. In this situation, things did not work as planned for the Joads. Instead, they were forced to deal with these challenges and believe that things will turn around. This determination is showing how the American dream is more than just about succeeding or failing. On the contrary, it is illustrating how the personal relationships with one another and the lessons that are learned will help to make everyone successful. The key for achieving this goal is to never lose faith in each other, no matter the consequences or the outcomes. (Steinbeck, 1939)
This is different from the previous works, by highlighting the struggles and how the American dream can be realized. As the Grapes of Wrath, is discussing the relationships that are fostered (which helps everyone to overcome these challenges). The key to realizing true potential is to have faith in each other and the long-term objectives. This is the underlying meaning from all three works. In many ways, one could argue that this is what helps to make the American dream an idea that so many are constantly looking for.
Conclusion
Clearly, the American dream is having a major impact on society. This is because it is more than just one single concept. Instead, it is a series of ideas that are continually evolving with the various social norms and attitudes. A Raisin in the Sun, the Grapes of Wrath and the American Dream are all highlighting how these views must constantly change. Yet, they are also illustrating that the American dream is about people working together (in achieving common goals), perseverance and remaining committed to the long-term objectives.
The combination of these factors are important, in showing how the American dream is a series of ideas that help to form a basic foundation of thinking. While at the same time, it is about adapting to new concepts to improve opportunity for everyone. Once this takes place, is when an individual can be able to realize their long-term objectives through remembering these concepts. This is when they can have a positive impact on the world around them and change society for the better.
References
Cullen, J. (2003). The American Dream. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hansberry, L. (2011). A Raisin in the Sun. New York, NY: Double Day Press.
King, M. (1964). The American Dream. Drew University. Retrieved from: http://depts.drew.edu/lib/archives/online_exhibits/King/speech/TheAmericanDream.pdf
Steinbeck, J. (1939). The Grapes of…
Sample Source(s) Used
References
Cullen, J. (2003). The American Dream. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hansberry, L. (2011). A Raisin in the Sun. New York, NY: Double Day Press.
King, M. (1964). The American Dream. Drew University. Retrieved from: http://depts.drew.edu/lib/archives/online_exhibits/King/speech/TheAmericanDream.pdf
Steinbeck, J. (1939). The Grapes of Wrath. New York, NY: Plain Label Books.
Related Documents
Study Document
U.S. History Book
Alan Ehrenhalt's The Lost City: The Forgotten Virtues of Community in America challenges many of the commonly held assumptions and culturally held beliefs about progress and how the idea of progress has changed throughout the course of this American Century for Americans. In many ways, the book can be seen as an elegy to the 1950s, not an era that is often elegized. It seems that Ehrenhalt's major reason to
Study Document
U.S. and Germany Although by
When the wall fell, the United States could somewhat smugly say, "I told you so" to the former Soviet sympathizers. Political and ideological victory was a key advantage of reunification for the United States. The Socialist Unity Party (Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands), headed by Ulbrecht for decades, laid the foundations for the state-controlled industrial economy that would characterize East Germany and which might have crippled the Eastern provinces' potential to thrive
Study Document
U.S. China Trading Relations the
Fueled by massive inflows of foreign direct investment, rising exports, and one of the highest personal savings rates (around 40% of GNP) in the world, this exceptional economic performance has translated into a tripling of per capita incomes. A better material existence is apparent from the provision of food, clothing, and housing for the vast majority of China's 1.3 billion people to the widespread availability of basic consumer durables
Study Document
U.S. Labor Movement and Grapes
21, 388). Steinbeck's tone throughout is one of the owners' impending doom. But their violent and cruel methods keep them in control. The labor perspective is posed against this. Tom angrily mentions a strike. He says, "Well, s'pose them people got together an' says, 'Let 'em rot.' Wouldn't be long 'fore the price went up, by God!" (ch. 20, 336). He is told that the owners find out who the
Study Document
American Dream
American Dream in the context of Gus Van Sant's 1997 film "Good Will Hunting" There has been much controversy with regard to the American Dream during recent years, as people appear to be more and more hesitant about accepting the fact that it exists. "Good Will Hunting" stands as a perfect example concerning a person who feels fed up with promises associated with living the American Dream and simply wants
Study Document
American History 1820-1920
American History, 1820-1920 Five positive events that influenced the history of the United States between 1820 and 1920. One of the most important processes that influenced the development of the United States is the process of industrialization that took place after the end of the Civil War. The United States had to undergo an increased process of modernization after the Civil War largely due to the fact that the country was divided