American Dream
What does the word American Dream actually mean? Many are confused of what it actually means.
In fact the meaning of American dream can have many meanings and they can all be correct. Taking a look at Death of a Salesman, there are already several meanings. For every character, the American Dream can mean something different. Willy tends to think the American dream means to be successful without needing hard work or innovation instead it is all based on the personality and charisma. He did not succeed the American dream he believed to have wanted and is now putting the pressure on his two sons. When his two son were still in high school, he did not care about how well they were doing in academics instead he wanted to know how they got along in class and how well liked they are. In one situation, where Biff tells Willy how he was making fun of his math teacher’s lisp, Willy does not scold him off for doing something cruel, instead he asks how the class found him? When Biff told Willy, “They nearly died laughing”, Willy is seen as proud and happy for his son. Although, this is Willy’s meaning of American Dream, we can also see fault in it. He uses his charisma to ask for a pay rise, but instead of getting that, he got fired.
Another version of the American Dream is Biff’s. When he was in high school, he idolised his father and wanted to be what his father was. He is often confused by what dream he wants. On one side he wants to follow in his father’s footstep and become a salesman but on the other hand he also wants to just explore the outdoors and work with his hand. He said to his brother, “There’s nothing more inspiring or – beautiful than the sight of a mare and a new colt. And it’s cool there now, see?”. Later on he realizes that his father did not have the right dream and he did not want to follow in his footstep and be like him anymore.
Both are types of American Dream. Both are correct. American Dream can be simplified as just a dream that someone has in regards to their jobs and what their ambitions are.
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