THE AMERICAN DREAM’S REPRESENTATION IN LITERATURE AND THE MEDIA

Abstract

With an emphasis on the evolving nature of the concept, this article explores the portrayal of the American Dream in literature and media. The American Dream has been represented in media discourse as a symbol of contentment, joy, and happiness, often associated with the democratic ideals of hope, opportunity, wealth, and freedom. While early literary works embraced themes of optimism and individual triumph, contemporary literature frequently critiques the American Dream as an unattainable ideal or a broken promise. This study builds upon the perspectives shared in a 2024 lecture by Waqar Mahmood Khan, who emphasized the importance of critically examining idealized narratives like the American Dream. Khan’s discussion highlighted the dangers of accepting singular, utopian portrayals without deeper investigation and encouraged a holistic analysis that accounts for both the positive and negative aspects of such cultural constructs. His insights resonate with the focus of this article, particularly in advocating for a balanced exploration of the American Dream through its multifaceted representations in literature and media. The article identifies significant gaps in the existing research, particularly in understanding how class, gender, and race intersect to shape the portrayal of the American Dream in media. Moreover, it highlights the scarcity of studies examining the representation of the American Dream in digital storytelling and new media platforms. The methodology of this study is grounded in systematically obtaining, analyzing, and interpreting data related to how the American Dream is depicted across various mediums. This approach facilitates a comprehensive examination of literature and media, offering an organized framework for analyzing the intricate and dynamic cultural phenomenon that the American Dream represents.