The Rise And Fall Of The American Dream - 1643 Words

Amy Corser Course Essay English 1362, Professor Holahan December 8, 2015 The Rise and Fall of the American Dream United States writer and historian, James Truslow Adams, once defined the American Dream as a life â€Å"better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement,† regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. Both The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison, tell the story of a man and his experiences as he embarks on his pursuit of the American Dream. However, as the novels progress, one is able to see the various ways in which society deeply affects both protagonists’ overall understanding and pursuit of what they consider to be the American Dream. Both Gatsby and the invisible man willingly enter a societal group in the hope of using its members to fulfill their individual goals; Gatsby uses his extravagant parties and prominent reputation to convince Daisy fall in love with him, while the invisible man uses the men in his town for education, equality, and an improved life. Whi le involved in these societal groups, both characters construct identities in order to help them achieve their hopes and dreams. However, in the process of attempting to fulfill their desires, the protagonists fail to realize the extent of influence society has over them, causing both Gatsby and the invisible man to loose sight of their true identities as they strive to embody something with which theyShow MoreRelatedThe Public Enemy Genre Analysis1219 Words   |  5 Pagesgenre is characterized by violence and lawlessness of american capitalism and The American Dream. 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