The American Dream Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The American Dream - Research Paper ExampleEven as this statement refers specifically to Millers work it could just as easily refer to Wilsons. This essay examines both of these outstanding works considering the ways that their themes mirror each other, specifically through their exploration of the American Dream. Analysis From an overarching perspective Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman and August Wilsons Fences explore how different characters encounter the American Dream. iodin of the primary considerations in these regards occurs in terms of the patriarchs of the two plays Willy Loman and Troy. While these individuals are from different socio-economic and racial backgrounds there is a striking resemblingity to many of their perspectives. At the beginning of the play both characters render an almost arrogance towards the challenges of the world. Frequently, Troy is situated as challenging death. He states, Death aint nothing and a fastball on the outside corner (Wilson, p. 12). Troy makes this statement in the context of his broader diatribe on death as a means of placing himself as an almost mythic figure. One considers that Loman too situates his life in a romantic context. In one of the most crucial convulsions in the play, Loman asks his imprint for a raise. In a plea to convince his boss, Loman relays an anecdotal tale. He states, what could be more real than to be able to go, at the age of eighty-four, into twenty or thirty different cities, and pick up a phone, and be remembered and loved and helped by so many different people? (Miller Act II, scene ii). Just as Troy situates himself as a baseball player bravely encountering life, Loman has positioned himself as a soldier returning to cities to great acclaim. While in these texts these statements represent a crucial element of the American Dream, achieving purpose in life, as well as achieving subsistence, in both works there is similarly the recognition that they are accompanied with a great degree of pomp and arrogance. It is this pretense that will by and by come to underline many of the cynical aspects of this American Dream. As both works advance, the earlier notions of an idealised American Dream are gradually exposed. In great part this is more pronounced in Millers work, yet the theme of disillusionment is clearly a central part of both texts. While Loman has earlier asked for a raise, he is rebuffed. In these regards, Miller is highlighting the disillusionment Loman experiences with the American Dream. One need only consider that despite Lomans considerable contributions and lifetime of work he is ultimately rebuffed by an individual younger and more powerful than himself. Willy states, Nothings planted. I dont have a thing in the ground (Miller 122). Additionally, it seems that Miller is highlighting that the simple pursuit of pecuniary gain is short-sited. While this disillusionment is more pronounced in Millers text, Wilson also explores similar conc erns. He writes, You got to take the crookeds with the straights. Thats what Papa used to say (Wilson, p. 25). Lyons makes this statement to Cory. He is referring to the challenges that he and Cory have specifically encountered and is directly presenting