The pursuit and the obsession of materialistic goods, luxuries, status, and wealth valued for reasons other than their function or artistry can only lead to spiritual and emotional emptiness. They do not bring joy or meaning, and in fact, will lead you away from it. In both "American Beauty" and The Great Gatsby, the characters emphasize this statement by putting the pursuit of the American Dream over everything else in this world.
The pursuit of the Almighty dollar, status, superficial beauty and other luxuries and new innovations leads people to neglect their relationship with others. In "American Beauty" both Lester and Carolyn neglect their daughter, Jane, after both decide to pursue new journeys. Carolyn becomes obsessed with trying to become a great real estate agent and has an affair with Buddy Kane, her so-called competitor in the real estate field. Lester too, neglects Jane as he is more concerned about his physical status to impress Jane's friend Angela than caring for his own daughter. When Jane complains to Carolyn, she lashes out at her telling her she should be happy she has "nice things" and that she should be "grateful that she doesn't live in a duplex." Jane, like most children, wants to have a good healthy relationship with her parents, rather than having material goods.
In The Great Gatsby Myrtle Wilson also exemplifies how people neglect their relationships when she desires Tom Buchanan and his money. She would rather have Tom then her own husband George Wilson. In Chapter Two, we see that Myrtle can't keep her hands off Tom while George goes into the other room; she just wants to be with Tom and his money. She doesn't even want Tom; she just wants his money, even though Tom hits her at that party. She doesn't care; she just wants to be rich and get rid of the man who actually cares about her. It is sick that people care more about money than they do about their own family.
The "American Dream" The "American Dream" can be interpreted in many ways. ... I don't believe that any two people could have the same "American Dream." ... As the time goes by, the "American Dream" changes. ... At this point in my life I am not sure I have an "American Dream." ... So now I leave you with one question, what is your "American Dream?" ...
Revolutionist gave birth to the American Dream. ... The American Dream evolved into a materialistic dream. ... The American Dream is all about money. ... The American Dream isn't a simple dream to live out; the Americans today can make the dream impossible to live because of what the standards are for the American dreams are today. ... The Americans today turned the American Dream into something most Americans will never be able to achieve because the extremely high standards that are set for dream. ...
MY AMERICAN DREAM What is the meaning behind the American Dream? ... The American Dream is a universal term, which holds pride as its definition varies from each person. The American Dream consists of our founding fathers" vision of freedom to a new generation of Americans who, being so inspired, will hold high the light of freedom. ... Through this, the American Dream has created a voice for all Americans in the course of demonstrating their willingness to act. ... From then on, the fulfillment of one's dreams and the grounds of feeling hopeful were both associated with America...
American Dream The idea of the American Dream has dominated American literature since the founding of America. ... Many people have their own idea of what the American Dream is. American writers present different views of the American Dream. ... Another view of the American Dream is that it is not entirely American. ... To me, the American Dream is whatever you make it. ...
Since the spawning of our great nation, the United States of America, there have been conflicting opinions as to what the true concept of the "American Dream" is and what it may mean to each person. ... He actually had two answers for his definition of the "American Dream," one more superficial than the other. ... After conducting my research, I have come to believe that my personal "American Dream" is a dream that I have obtained from those around me. ... The "American Dream" is embodied in each and every American citizen, whatever social or financial class they may be. It has become somewha...
Because of the plethora of opportunities we have in America, the American dream is a reality to many people today. ... Clearly, there is no cut and dry definition of the American Dream. ... The idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in American is known as the American dream. I am surrounded by examples of the American dream fulfilled in my life. ... Living in America, we are very fortunate to have endless freedoms, which contribute to the validity of the American dream. ...
The "American Dream". What is the American Dream? ... Some American Dreams are to have a family, and an average job. ... There are many different kinds of American Dreams, and they all differ on the each individual person. But we have to realize when we say what our "American Dream" is, the word "Dream" is in the sentence, we have to work hard to make these dreams come true. ...
"The American Dream" is often something that society wonders about. What is the American dream? ... a young age about the way life is and what the American dream is to him. ... John Cougar Melloncamp writes a lot of his songs on the American dream. ... It is not just American's that want the American dream. ...
What exactly is the American Dream? ... "The American Dream is the same as the French Dream and the Iraqi Dream and the Somolian Dream it is to find a way to connect in a significant way with people you love." ... What is happening to the American Dream? ... In my opinion, the American Dream is a fantasy. ... Happiness and the reality of the American Dream are found once we have abandoned all of the false dreams and created a dream of our own. ...
The American Dream is something that everyone wants to accomplish in his or her life. ... Twenty -two years ago when my mother left Guyana she was hoping for a better life for the both of us, which was her American Dream. ... I once heard a quote that said "Education is the key that unlocks any door" and I truly feel that this would be the key to achieve my American Dream. ... My ultimate American Dream is to become a successful entrepreneur. ... I love to help others, if I can make a positive impact on another person's life then I have achieved my American Dream. ...
