Early American Literature:
* Focus on opportunity and self-reliance: Authors like Benjamin Franklin and Nathaniel Hawthorne explored the promise of a new life in America, with its potential for upward mobility and the pursuit of happiness. "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" shows the protagonist achieving success through hard work and moral virtue, while "The Scarlet Letter" explores the constraints of Puritan society and the quest for individual freedom.
Late 19th and Early 20th Century:
* Shifting from individual to societal progress: Authors like Mark Twain, Theodore Dreiser, and F. Scott Fitzgerald began to question the attainability of the American Dream for everyone. "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" reveals the hypocrisy of a society built on slavery, while "The Great Gatsby" critiques the emptiness of wealth and the illusion of happiness.
* Social commentary and critiques of inequality: The American Dream became a lens through which authors explored issues like poverty, racism, and classism. "An American Tragedy" by Theodore Dreiser depicts the tragic consequences of societal pressures on an individual's pursuit of success, while "Native Son" by Richard Wright exposes the systemic racism and oppression faced by African Americans.
Mid-20th Century and Beyond:
* Challenges and complexities: Authors like J.D. Salinger, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou continued to challenge the traditional notion of the American Dream. "The Catcher in the Rye" explores the disillusionment of youth with a corrupted society, "Beloved" examines the enduring trauma of slavery, and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" depicts the struggle for self-discovery in a racially divided society.
* Diverse perspectives and experiences: Contemporary authors have expanded the understanding of the American Dream to encompass a wider range of identities and experiences. "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros explores the challenges faced by a young Latina girl in a new world, while "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri explores the complexities of identity and belonging for immigrants.
Key Literary Devices to Show the American Dream:
* Characters' aspirations and goals: What do characters desire, and how do their dreams reflect the values of their time?
* Setting and environment: Do characters find opportunities or are they trapped by their circumstances?
* Themes of wealth, success, and happiness: How are these themes portrayed, and what are their consequences?
* Conflicts and challenges: What obstacles do characters face in their pursuit of the American Dream, and what do these challenges reveal about society?
Overall, the American Dream in literature is a dynamic and evolving concept, offering a complex and nuanced reflection of American society and its changing values.