The American Dream in Literature

The term "American Dream" was originally coined by James Truslow Adams in his book "The Epics of America" which as published in 1931. This dream has always played a major role on immigration to America due to people perceiving America as the greatest country of opportunity, entrepreneurship and a freedom of spirit that all wish to attain. Around the turn of the 18th century, the promise of the American Dream had begun to lure many immigrants from around the world; Italians, Poles, Irish, Greeks, Russsians all flooded into find work and a new life that they could never hope to attain in the homelands.

There are many books, songs, plays and forms of literature which have defined, explored and denounced the American Dream.

- The American Dream by Edward Albee
- Of Mice and Men
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
- Death of a Salesman
- The Great Gatsby

and many more. The song "American Dream" by the Christian Rock Band Casting Crowns focuses on the idea of the dream, as it implies.

The term "THE AMERICAN DREAM" is a subjective one usually implying success and happiness. It also implies financial security, material goods, fame, exceeding ethnic or social boundaries or simply living a fulfilling life. The term is not easily defined, and has subjective meaning to many who claim it.

So, how has the American Dream impacted on your life? Has it created a new stream of consciousness within your life? Has you found ethnic peace? Are you satisfied financially? The dream in the 20th century has many challenges. The Great Depression comes to mind which caused widespread hardship during the 30's and was a reverse of the deam for those directly affected.

World War 2 springs to mind, young American families from the suburbs who sought to lead a stable life were immediately forced into a new reality. Although the drive waned during this period of time it also brought the American People closer in a way that many have not experienced to this day.

The advancements in technology and economic growth are unparallelled up to the later part of the 20th century. Consumerism, econonic materialism, computers, the internet and modern technologies have created a new and alternative way of creating jobs and in some incidents, assisting with the standard of living for some.

The literary world is full of books which will enlighten you, prohibit the dream and create an array of arguments as to the meaning of the words 'THE AMERICAN DREAM". The best personal American Dream come true story for me is when the Cabbie from Fift Avenue became a Millionaire. However, does the American dream elude the poorest or ethnical section of our society?

Finally, as a great lover of Hunter S Thompson and his book FLLV, a rebel, I still vividely recall the exact moment in time that I first laid eyes on the Statue of Liberty. It is hard to describe the pride, the freedom, the hope, the justice, the many who died for our liberty and, of course, the men and women on 9/11. A tear came into my eye and my chest spilled over with pride. What is THE AMERICAN DREAM?