Through much of the colonial era, the neoclassical to the post- modernist years, this feeling of idealism and cheerfulness about America and Americans has evolved, today adding secular and capitalistic overtures to its propositions, perpetrating a hegemony of class and social privilege. ... In my essay I bring into discussion issues arising from the pursuit of this dream by examining the lives of the protagonists of two important American literatures: Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser and The Great Gatsby by F. ... Carrie became easily discouraged by her attempts to find work. ... She is easil...

• Word Count: 7760
• Approx Pages: 31
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

In fact, through the experiences of characters in The Death of a Salesman, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Great Gatsby, a steadfast hope ultimately results in an inevitable death. ... Finally, The Great Gatsby epitomizes the negatives of an unwavering hope in love rather than a mantra or belief as shown in the previous stories. ... Following the pattern of the previous stories, things don't work out for Jay as he had hoped and intended. ... The hope and determination of the previously mentioned characters in The Death of a Salesman, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Great Gatsby all...

• Word Count: 1424
• Approx Pages: 6