In What Ways Does 'The Godfather' Depict The American Dream'S Corruption?

'American Pastoral' tears apart the glossy veneer of the American Dream with surgical precision. Swede Levov embodies the post-war ideal—star athlete, successful businessman, picture-perfect family. But Roth exposes it as a fragile illusion. The riots of the 1960s shatter Swede’s world when his daughter Merry bombs a post office, revealing the rot beneath suburban prosperity. The novel frames the Dream as a collective delusion. Swede’s relentless optimism clashes with the era’s chaos, proving that meritocracy and hard work can’t shield against societal upheaval. Roth’s brilliance lies in showing how the Dream consumes its believers—Swede’s life becomes a grotesque parody of success, haunted by violence and betrayal. It’s less a critique than an autopsy, dissecting how idealism curdles into tragedy.

In 'Middlesex', the American Dream is portrayed as both a beacon of hope and a mirage. The novel follows the journey of the Stephanides family, starting with their escape from war-torn Greece to the bustling streets of Detroit. They chase the promise of prosperity, but their dreams are tangled with sacrifices and identity struggles. Cal, the protagonist, embodies this duality—born intersex, their life is a constant negotiation between self-discovery and societal expectations. The family’s rise from immigrants to middle-class Americans is marked by hard work, but it’s also shadowed by secrets and the cost of assimilation. The American Dream here isn’t just about success; it’s about survival and the price of fitting into a mold that doesn’t always fit back. What struck me most is how the novel shows the Dream as a generational burden. Each generation carries the weight of the previous one’s aspirations, and Cal’s story is a testament to how those aspirations can both empower and confine. The Dream isn’t a straight path; it’s a labyrinth of choices, compromises, and the relentless pursuit of belonging.

In 'A Raisin in the Sun', the American Dream is portrayed through the struggles and aspirations of the Younger family, each member chasing their version of success. Walter Lee dreams of financial independence through business, believing money will solve their problems and earn respect. His mother, Lena, sees homeownership as the ultimate symbol of stability and dignity, a tangible piece of the dream. Beneatha seeks self-fulfillment through education and identity, challenging traditional norms. The play critiques the systemic barriers—racism, poverty—that distort the dream. The family’s cramped apartment symbolizes oppression, while Lena’s new house represents hope, albeit in a hostile white neighborhood. Their victories are bittersweet; Walter’s moral redemption costs them money, and Beneatha’s ideals clash with reality. Lorraine Hansberry shows the dream isn’t just about wealth but dignity, agency, and the right to stumble while reaching for more.

In 'Of Mice and Men', the American Dream is portrayed as both a beacon of hope and a cruel illusion. George and Lennie’s dream of owning a piece of land represents the ideal of self-sufficiency and freedom, a common aspiration during the Great Depression. Their vision is filled with warmth and simplicity—tending rabbits, growing crops, and living off the land. Yet, this dream is constantly out of reach, shadowed by their circumstances and Lennie’s limitations. The other characters, like Candy and Crooks, also latch onto this dream, revealing its universal appeal. Candy’s willingness to invest his savings shows how desperate people are for a better life. Crooks, initially cynical, allows himself to hope, highlighting the dream’s power to transcend racial barriers. However, the novel ultimately suggests that the American Dream is unattainable for the marginalized. Lennie’s tragic end shatters the dream, symbolizing the harsh reality that hope alone cannot overcome systemic inequality. For those interested in exploring similar themes, 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck delves deeper into the struggles of the disenfranchised during the same era. Steinbeck’s portrayal of the American Dream is deeply rooted in the socio-economic context of the 1930s. The characters’ aspirations reflect the broader societal desire for stability and prosperity, yet their failures underscore the systemic barriers that prevent them from achieving it. The dream is not just about material wealth but also about dignity and autonomy. George’s repeated narration of the dream to Lennie serves as a coping mechanism, a way to endure their harsh reality. The novel’s tragic ending forces readers to confront the fragility of hope in the face of insurmountable odds. It’s a poignant commentary on the disparity between the American Dream’s promise and its reality.

'Seabiscuit' is a story that captures the essence of the American Dream through its underdog narrative. The film revolves around a horse that’s considered too small and unruly to succeed, yet it defies all odds to become a champion. This mirrors the idea that anyone, regardless of their background or limitations, can achieve greatness through hard work and determination. The characters around Seabiscuit also embody this theme. Charles Howard, a man who rebuilds his life after personal tragedy, represents resilience. Tom Smith, the trainer, and Red Pollard, the jockey, both come from difficult circumstances but find redemption and success through their connection to the horse. What makes 'Seabiscuit' particularly powerful is how it ties the horse’s journey to the broader context of the Great Depression. During a time when many Americans felt hopeless, Seabiscuit’s victories provided a sense of hope and possibility. The film suggests that the American Dream isn’t just about individual success but also about collective inspiration. For those who enjoy stories of perseverance, 'The Pursuit of Happyness' offers a similar exploration of overcoming adversity.

John Steinbeck’s novels often portray the American Dream as a mirage, something that seems attainable but is ultimately out of reach for the common person. In 'The Grapes of Wrath', the Joad family’s journey to California is fueled by the promise of prosperity, but they find only exploitation and despair. Steinbeck highlights the systemic inequalities that prevent the working class from achieving their dreams. The land of opportunity becomes a land of broken promises, where hard work doesn’t guarantee success but often leads to suffering. In 'Of Mice and Men', George and Lennie’s dream of owning a small farm symbolizes the universal desire for stability and independence. Yet, their dream is crushed by circumstances beyond their control, reflecting the fragility of hope in a harsh world. Steinbeck’s characters are often trapped by economic and social forces, making the American Dream seem like a cruel illusion. His works serve as a critique of a society that glorifies ambition while ignoring the barriers that make it unattainable for many.

In 'Of Mice and Men', Steinbeck paints a bleak picture of the American Dream through the lives of George and Lennie. Their dream of owning a small farm represents the hope for independence and stability, a common aspiration during the Great Depression. However, Steinbeck shows how this dream is unattainable for most, especially for marginalized characters like Crooks and Curley’s wife. The constant setbacks and eventual tragedy highlight the harsh reality that the American Dream is more of an illusion than a possibility. Steinbeck’s portrayal is a critique of the societal structures that perpetuate inequality. If you’re interested in exploring similar themes, 'The Grapes of Wrath' by Steinbeck delves deeper into the struggles of the working class.

There’s a moment in 'Death of a Salesman' that always twists my chest: Willy pacing, trying to live in two times at once. I get pulled in every time because Miller doesn't just tell you the American Dream is broken — he makes you feel the gears grinding. For me, the play shows the Dream as a glittering promise sold like an easy sale; it's all charisma, luck, and a reputation you can’t quite maintain. Willy buys that pitch whole, equates likability with success, and when reality doesn't match his memory, the collapse is devastating. I also appreciate how Miller uses family dynamics as a pressure cooker. Linda is the quiet moral center who sees the system eating her husband alive. Biff and Happy are different responses to the same myth: one becoming disillusioned, the other doubling down. The structure—slipping between present and memory—makes the Dream feel like an addiction, repeating slogans until they stop meaning anything. Walking out of a performance, I’m always left thinking about how society hands out measuring sticks for success that ignore dignity, community, and honest labor.