The American Dream Project
By: Kelli Forbes
Part I
Society's Version:
"The term "American Dream" first was used by the American historian James Truslow Adams in his book "The Epic of America" published in 19311. At that time the United States were suffering under the Great Depression2. Adams used the term to describe the complex beliefs, religious promises and political and social expectations.
"The American Dream" has become a widespread term to describe the American Way of Life3 in general, but it is by far not that easy." The American Dream" always has something individual. That is, why till today no one succeeded in giving a universally acceptable definition of the term.
For a lot of people "The American Dream" is connected to becoming wealthy and the ability to achieve everything if one only works hard enough for it (From rags to riches). For others it is much more and is beyond materialism. For them it is the dream of living a simple, happy and fulfilling life and the most important features being faith and equality. "The American Dream" also is about liberty and America being the country of unlimited opportunities...." By Eva Michels
My Version:
Gatsby's Version:
Wealth
Old Money
Lots of Women
Fame
To Be Liked
Love
Part II
The American Dream has changed a lot over the past decade. In the 1920's the American Dream was all about making lots of money, having lots of women, and fame. In the book The Great Gatsby, at Gatsby's party a woman speaks with Jordan about how she ripped her gown and a stranger bought and delivered her a new gown. "It was gas blue with lavender beads. Two hundred and sixty-five dollars." (pg. 34). Also Tom Buchanan had a wife, Daisy, and a mistress, Myrtle. "When they do get married, they're going West to live for a while until it blows over." (pg. 17) talking about Tom and Myrtle getting married even though he was married to Daisy. 100 years later, today the American Dream has changed a lot. Today it's all about making your own money and having unlimited amounts of opportunities for everything. I believed it has improved since the 1920's because now people kinda d0 there own thing and they don't care about not being famous enough or not being rich enough.